OUTSOURCED security guards at two of the biggest museums in the country announced today they will strike during the school half-term.
The guards at London’s Natural History and Science Museums overwhelmingly voted to walk out for better pay and conditions after being offered an “insulting” increase to £13.15 an hour.
The members of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union described the recent increase as “too little, too late” following years of wage stagnation and real-terms pay cuts.
They are demanding £16 an hour, full sick pay from day one, and an additional week of annual leave.
UVW said their employer Wilson James earned more than £7 million in profit after tax but has so far refused to negotiate with the union.
Charles Fuller, who has been a Natural History Museum security guard for 19 years, said: “All the guards are dedicated to the museum and respect all the staff and managers, but we feel unappreciated.
“In fact, asking for £16 an hour is too little.
“We hope a strike isn’t necessary, but we’re prepared to move forward if it’s the only way to get recognition for what we do.”
UVW general secretary Petros Elia added: “After years of real-terms pay cuts, frozen wages, sub-inflation pay rises, and unfair treatment, our members are walking out with a heavy heart during the busiest week for the museums all year — October half term.”
A Wilson James spokesperson said: “We value our colleagues at the museums and recognise their vital contributions to protecting such treasured national institutions. We will do everything we can to maintain service and ensure the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of families and children excited to visit the museums during half-term.
“We are proud to offer competitive compensation to our employees and remain dedicated to fair and transparent negotiations. Throughout the year, we have been in negotiations with our recognised unions at the museums, and in September reached an agreement to increase Security Officers’ pay to £13.15 per hour backdated to April 2024, in line with our commitments as a London Living Wage accredited employer.”
