Royal Museums Greenwich staff vote to strike over pay and conditions
On August 11 and 12, workers at Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) in London, represented by the Prospect union, participated in a strike vote, with 77% supporting the action and a turnout of 90%. This decision follows similar strikes at V&A locations as part of a larger movement within UK cultural institutions. Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy highlighted the exploitation faced by heritage sector employees. The workers are advocating for London Living Wage accreditation, paid breaks for security personnel, fixed-term contract policies, and enhanced training opportunities. RMG acknowledged ongoing constructive discussions, including a two-year pay agreement for 2026/27 and 2027/28, and expressed disappointment over the strike vote while aiming to keep museum sites operational. Royal Museums Greenwich encompasses the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory, and Cutty Sark.
Key facts
- Prospect union members at Royal Museums Greenwich voted to strike on 11 and 12 August.
- 77% of those who voted supported strike action on a 90% turnout.
- 88% of respondents voted in favor of action short of a strike.
- Prospect members at V&A East Storehouse and other V&A London sites also voted to strike.
- Workers seek London Living Wage accreditation, paid breaks for security staff, policies on fixed-term contracts, and improved training.
- RMG says a two-year pay settlement for 2026/27 and 2027/28 was agreed and implemented.
- RMG plans to keep museum sites open during the strike.
- Royal Museums Greenwich includes the National Maritime Museum, Queen's House, Royal Observatory, and Cutty Sark.
Entities
Institutions
- Prospect union
- Royal Museums Greenwich
- V&A East Storehouse
- V&A
- ACAS
- Living Wage Foundation
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom