5 October 2015
PCS rally in Trafalgar Square in May in support of the National Gallery dispute. Photo Workers.
Striking museum staff met outside the National Gallery today (5 October) and went back in to work together after 100 days on strike since February. The return to work followed an agreement reached between the PCS union, the National Gallery and contractor Securitas.
The agreement means the protection of terms and conditions and a return to work for a sacked senior union rep. It also includes union recognition with the company. Strike action is being suspended pending ministerial approval and a ballot of PCS members over the deal.
Though there is regret that the privatisation of the gallery’s visitor services staff was not prevented, it was vital to maintain union organisation inside the visitor services and there will be an ongoing struggle to maintain professional standards and pay and conditions.