V&A workers hold ballot to strike over pay and heatwave conditions
Summary
Workers at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) museums in London are voting on whether to strike because of concerns over high temperatures at work, access to drinking water, and pay. The union wants the museum to improve heat safety policies, allow staff to drink water during shifts, and pay all workers a fair living wage.Key Facts
- More than 300 workers at four V&A locations in London are taking part in a strike ballot.
- The strike vote is partly due to concerns about heatwave conditions and limited water access while working.
- The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) started the strike ballot on 23 July citing unresolved staff concerns.
- The union requests a policy to close public areas if temperatures rise above 30°C and heat safety measures for workers.
- PCS wants the V&A to allow workers to drink water while on duty without needing breaks or relief.
- The unions also want the V&A to become an accredited living wage employer, paying at least £14.80 an hour in London.
- V&A says all direct staff earn at least the living wage, but some outsourced contractors do not.
- The museum has offered a 3.6% overall pay increase, with a 6.9% raise for the lowest-paid workers, and says staff safety is a priority.
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