V&A Staff Walk Out Over Pay and Working Conditions

Staff at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s South Kensington site in London took strike action on 25 and 26 September 2026 in disputes over pay and working conditions. Members of Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) joined picket lines, with Prospect reporting that the museum’s main entrance was closed during the action.

Prospect is seeking a minimum 4% pay increase for staff earning above the Living Wage, time-and-a-half for bank holiday working, London Living Wage accreditation within 12 months, and improved food provision at V&A East sites. The union says its dispute continues across the museum’s other London locations.

PCS’s separate pay claim is for an 8% increase and double pay for bank holiday working. According to the union, most staff are being offered a 3.25% increase, while the lowest pay band would receive 6.9% to bring it up to the London Living Wage. PCS has also raised concerns about access to drinking water, seating and measures to protect staff during heatwaves at V&A East Storehouse.

In a statement published on 22 September, the V&A said it had negotiated in good faith since February and met most union demands through an improved offer it considered fair, competitive and affordable. The museum said all staff receive the London Living Wage, although it is not accredited, and have regular access to water, toilet facilities and breaks. It also outlined heatwave measures, including additional rest breaks and gallery closures.

Following the strike, Prospect said the V&A had not presented a revised offer and alleged that director Tristram Hunt had refused arbitration talks. The museum’s earlier statement said it remained available for negotiations with the unions.