V&A Strikes Suspended Following Improved Pay Offer as Negotiations Continue

Trade unions Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have agreed to suspend industrial action to allow further negotiations facilitated by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) to take place.

The planned strikes, which were set to affect V&A South Kensington, V&A East Museum, V&A East Storehouse and Young V&A, formed part of an ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions. Staff previously took industrial action in September, demanding improved pay, London Living Wage accreditation and better working conditions.

In a statement published on 26 October, the V&A confirmed that its latest offer includes an average 4.18% pay rise and a 6.9% increase for its lowest-paid staff, alongside increased bank holiday pay, a bonus scheme and subsidised food provision across all sites.

The museum also stated that all staff are already paid at least the London Living Wage and that work is underway to review accreditation.

“We welcome this opportunity for constructive discussions with our trade union colleagues,” the V&A stated, adding that negotiations have been ongoing since February.

PCS welcomed the improved offer but warned that further industrial action could follow if negotiations fail to produce an acceptable agreement.

All V&A museums will remain open as normal during the October half-term week, including exhibitions, free displays and family activities. However, some events may still be postponed or cancelled as the museum works to reinstate its public programme.

Image: Courtesy of Prospect Union.