Join strike rally to mark end of first week of action at museums
Acting PCS president Martin Cavanagh and TUC general secretary Paul Nowak will address the rally outside the Museum of Liverpool on Saturday.
PCS members working for the seven museums and galleries that make up National Museums Liverpool started strike action on Saturday 17 February in their dispute with the employer of its refusal to pay staff a £1500 cost-of-living payment. The strike is planned to continue until 14 April.
There was a solid start to the strike on Saturday and members have been out on the picket line in force all week, despite the wind and the rain on Liverpool’s waterfront.
On Sunday 18 February there were 45 members on the picket line. The public support was amazing and an ex-miner’s son refused to cross our picket line to enter the museum and stood in solidarity with our members.
Each day of the picket line is themed and on Monday it was “Wave your Flag”. Members were asked to bring their mucky clothes to make and paint their own banner to support the strike action.
Tuesday was “Return of the dogs” which encouraged strikers to bring their four-legged friends along – although #picketlinepooches are always welcome. The four dogs who came along wagged their tails and posed for pictures which ended up in the local newspapers.
Wednesday was a “Super Scouse Disco” with music blasting from local artists, glittery faces and bright colourful clothing as pickets embraced the festival vibes. Following another successful event the pickets were invited for a well-earned breakfast at a local restaurant run by boxing champion Paul Smith.
Thursday’s “Party on the Pier” was wet and cold but the 52 pickets warmed up by playing their favourite garden games. The dark, grey landscape was lit up with fun activities and lots of bubbles.
Strike rally on Saturday
Everyone is invited to support the strikers at a rally outside the Museum of Liverpool at 10am on Saturday 24 February.
Speakers will include Martin Cavanagh, acting PCS president, Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, Saorsa Tweedale, PCS proud chair, Kris Brown, Liverpool city councillor,.and Gav Cross, storyteller and comedian.