London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Security staff at the Science Museum, Victoria and Albert, and Natural History Museums are ready for the strict strike in January 2025 over pay disputes.
Security guards working at the UK’s three biggest museums are pushing for a £16 an hour pay rate from external contractor Wilson James, highlighting the need to address the rising cost of living standards.
Following walkouts earlier this month, more new strikes are set for January 17-21. While Wilson James has pledged to reduce any impact on visitors and will keep ensuring the continued delivery of an “excellent service,” during the strikes.
The United Voices of the World (UVW) union, backing the protest, has asked the public to avoid going to the museums during the strike.
While representing marginalized and less-paid workers, the UVW claims approximately 100 of its members work as security guards at the three museums.
As reported by The Guardian, workers from multiple departments, such as cleaners and restaurant staff, went on strike for three days over Christmas, calling for a pay rise above inflation and an annual bonus.
The UVW stated that 95% of its members at the Knightsbridge store supported the strikes on December 21, 22, and 26.
The UVW is asking for a pay rise, enhanced sickness benefits, and an extra week of holiday for security staff at the museums.
According to the union, Wilson James set the hourly rate for museum security staff at £10.10 an hour in 2011, but it argues that now the rate should be increased up to £16 to survive in this inflation.
The UVW’s general secretary, Petros Elia revealed that from 2019 to 2021, his members saw a total salary increase of only 1.2%.
The contractor, Wilson James has stated to the union that pay increase requests are “unaffordable” and the company is not willing to “reopen” talks on wages for the 2024-20225 period.
Elia stated, “Wilson James pay huge sums to their executives and pay those at the bottom a pittance. We would urge the public not to go to the museums during strike days and donate towards our strike fund, so that workers are not forced to go back to work.”
A spokesperson for Wilson James insisted that it values its workers’ contributions, highlighting that its recent pay raise to £13.15 aligns with the London living pay for 2023-2024. With profits exceeding £7m for the year ending July 31, 2023, the company described its pay as “competitive.”
Wilson’s spokesperson stated, “We are committed to transparent negotiations. While we acknowledge the demands put forward by UVW, we are seeking a resolution that balances fair pay with the need to remain financially responsible.”
It continued that Wilson James is a recognized service provider by the Living Wage Foundation, and it has been committed to ensuring its staff pay in line with current economic conditions.
Requests for comment regarding the dispute were forwarded to Wilson James by all three museums.
The UK’s National Living Wage is set at £11.44 hourly for those aged 21 and above, £8.60 for workers aged 18 to 20, and £6.40 for those under 18.