National Gallery staff to strike over £40 million Securitas privatization deal

The National Gallery has finalized a five-year contract worth £40 million with security firm Securitas, triggering continued labor disputes. Gallery assistants numbering 300 will transition to Securitas employment while remaining at their posts, with management assuring no job losses or pay reductions. Public and Commercial Services union general secretary Mark Serwotka criticized the institution for proceeding with privatization without further union engagement. Staff have announced a series of strikes culminating in a full work stoppage beginning in mid-August. The Guardian reported on the ongoing conflict over visitor services privatization at the London institution. Management maintains the change involves only supervision shifts rather than operational alterations.