Staff at the Tate Galleries have voted overwhelmingly in favour of going on strike, with 98% of Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) members backing industrial action after rejecting what they deemed an "inadequate" pay offer.
The strike, set to take place from November 26 to December 2, will impact over 150 workers across all four galleries, including Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. The PCS union claims that the initial salary increase of between 2% and 3% offered by management falls short of addressing "rising living costs" and concerns about endemic low pay.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote described the offer as "insulting," citing significant pay disparities between staff and top directors, who have received six-figure salaries. The union is now demanding a above-inflation pay rise, the restoration of staff benefits, including a staff canteen and subsidized meals, and compensation for the withdrawal of access to the civil service pension scheme for new starters from 2021.
Tate management has defended its offer, claiming that it made "careful savings" this year to invest in staff pay while maintaining a balanced budget. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient given the organization's financial struggles and accusations of identity issues.
The strike coincides with major shows set to open at Tate Britain and Tate Modern. The Turner & Constable: Rivals & Originals show is particularly vulnerable, as it opens on November 27. With more than half of Royal Shakespeare Company staff being encouraged to apply for voluntary redundancy, the strike also reflects growing tensions across the cultural sector.
Meanwhile, British Library staff who recently went on strike over pay and conditions offer a stark contrast to Tate's stance. As institutions like the Tate navigate financial and identity crises, their employees are bearing the brunt of austerity measures and stagnant wages.
The strike, set to take place from November 26 to December 2, will impact over 150 workers across all four galleries, including Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. The PCS union claims that the initial salary increase of between 2% and 3% offered by management falls short of addressing "rising living costs" and concerns about endemic low pay.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote described the offer as "insulting," citing significant pay disparities between staff and top directors, who have received six-figure salaries. The union is now demanding a above-inflation pay rise, the restoration of staff benefits, including a staff canteen and subsidized meals, and compensation for the withdrawal of access to the civil service pension scheme for new starters from 2021.
Tate management has defended its offer, claiming that it made "careful savings" this year to invest in staff pay while maintaining a balanced budget. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient given the organization's financial struggles and accusations of identity issues.
The strike coincides with major shows set to open at Tate Britain and Tate Modern. The Turner & Constable: Rivals & Originals show is particularly vulnerable, as it opens on November 27. With more than half of Royal Shakespeare Company staff being encouraged to apply for voluntary redundancy, the strike also reflects growing tensions across the cultural sector.
Meanwhile, British Library staff who recently went on strike over pay and conditions offer a stark contrast to Tate's stance. As institutions like the Tate navigate financial and identity crises, their employees are bearing the brunt of austerity measures and stagnant wages.
what do u think about tate galleries going on strike tho? seems like they're really struggling with pay and stuff but like, can't they just get paid enough to not have to resort to strikes? 
, 2-3% is so little when you think about it. Like, I can barely get a decent cuppa at work these days, let alone afford living costs in London. And to make matters worse, the top directors are raking it in 
. The union's demands seem reasonable to me - they want fair pay and benefits, not some tokenistic offer that's just going to leave them struggling again soon. I hope the strike doesn't get too messy with all those big shows opening up at the same time 
...
considering how hard they work & rising living costs are killin' them financially 
Not to mention the lack of staff benefits like a decent canteen or subsidized meals 
...it's like they're tryna rip off their own employees 
It's just not right, imo 
. The strike timing couldn't be worse with big shows comin' up at Tate Britain & Tate Modern 
.
... 98% rejecting a pay rise? That's crazy! 
. And it's not just about the money, it's about the respect and fairness for their work too. Staff canteen and subsidized meals would be a nice touch 
. But seriously, with all these strikes happening in the cultural sector, it's like institutions are being run by accountants who don't care about their employees 
. British Library just went through this same thing and they're not alone... what's going on here?
. I mean, I get that the museum has to save money, but six-figure salaries for directors? That's just not fair 
.
. Are these shows gonna get cancelled or postponed? 
. They need to think about the people who work there, not just the bottom line 
It's not like it's rocket science... or is it? 
cant blame em for feelin underpaid & overworked especially when u see the directors r makin six figures 
Not their bosses, that's for sure 
.
. And what's with all these identity issues? Can't they just figure out who they are and get on board already 
?
. Workers need to know their worth, and institutions like the Tate need to respect that 
its so frustrating seeing staff at the Tate getting a pittance like that tho idk how they can afford to strike with their families rn 150 workers losing pay is still better than nothing, but whats the point of even having a union if they cant get a decent offer 
. But at the same time, it's a necessary step to take care of their own needs and advocate for change.
. Maybe they can learn from British Library's recent strike and start prioritizing staff pay and benefits. We need more museums and galleries that value their employees as much as they value art and culture 
this is so frustrating! i feel for those staff members who are struggling to make ends meet on low pay. it's not just about the money tho, its about respect & dignity in the workplace. 2-3% pay rise? that's not even enough to cover inflation let alone rising living costs 
i hope the strike brings attention to this issue & maybe, just maybe, some positive change will come out of it 
... shouldn't staff be getting the same treatment? 
... how long are they gonna keep doing this before people start leaving?