Tate staff to strike over pay dispute after union ballot
Staff at Tate galleries will strike from 26 November to 2 December, with over 150 members participating. The Public and Commercial Services Union organized a ballot where 98% voted for action on an 87% turnout. Workers rejected a salary increase of 2-3%, deemed insulting by PCS. A union survey found 72.2% of Tate employees struggle with living costs. PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote criticized directors' high pay, noting Maria Balshaw's remuneration band of £220,000–225,000 is 6.5 times the median. Tate's board report for 2024–25 highlights this disparity. A Tate spokesperson stated savings enabled a 3% raise for most roles, with directors taking zero increase to balance costs. The institution aims for a sustainable financial model to support long-term staff investment.
Key facts
- Strike dates: 26 November to 2 December
- Over 150 Tate staff members involved
- 98% vote in favor with 87% turnout
- Salary increase offered: 2-3%
- 72.2% of staff report insufficient pay for living costs
- Maria Balshaw's remuneration: £220,000–225,000
- Directors' pay is 6.5 times median workforce remuneration
- Tate directors taking zero percent increase this year
Entities
Institutions
- Tate
- Public and Commercial Services Union
- The Guardian
- Tate's Board of Trustees