Security guards at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum have joined forces with colleagues at the Science and Natural History Museums in a dispute for improved pay and conditions.
Following a meeting with United Voices of the World (UVW), which represents guards at all three museums, outsourced security contractor Wilson James has been notified that V&A guards will join the action should their demands be ignored.
The workers will be balloted for strike action between 22 November and 6 December. They claimed that they had a 1.2% pay rise between 2019 and 2021 but have subsequently experienced a wage freeze. In August 2023, Wilson James offered an increase to £13.15 an hour from £11.95, but the workers involved want the organisation to immediately implement the London living wage rise to £13.85 per hour.
A strike ballot among guards at the Science and Natural History Museums resulted in 96% voting yes, out of a 95% turnout. They have taken strike action across six days and have planned an additional 15 days for November and December, including a seven-day walkout in the lead-up to Christmas.
A Wilson James spokesperson said: “Wilson James is clear in its commitment to fair compensation for all employees. In pursuit of a swift and constructive resolution, we are calling upon UVW to call off the industrial action and join us in a meaningful dialogue on union recognition. Wilson James remains fully committed to ensuring a secure, respectful and fair working environment for all employees. Our priority is to achieve a balanced outcome that recognises the needs and contributions of our employees while upholding the quality of service at these important national institutions.”
A UVW spokesperson added: “This fight isn’t just about pay; it’s about respect, dignity, and fairness for workers who play an indispensable role in the daily operations of these globally renowned institutions. While Wilson James has seen its profits double to over £7.6 million annually between 2019 and 2021, the guards have endured six years of frozen wages and a mere 1.2% pay rise during the same period.”
