Solidarity for Museums strikers

Over 200 PCS members working at the seven museums and galleries that make up National Museums Liverpool (NML) will be starting six weeks’ strike action tomorrow (17) as their employer is refusing to pay the £1500 cost-of-living payment.

PCS’s culture group executive committee sent a message saying: "The culture group executive sends solidarity to the NML branch and its strong, growing membership ahead of their strike action.

“Many times, including in last year's brilliant pickets and rallies at the British Museum and British Library, the group has shown it has huge public support, national and international, in its campaign for decent pay and conditions. We demand the £1500 payment for all NML staff. Show culture some love.”

Acting PCS president Martin Cavanagh said: “Solidarity to all our members in National Museums Liverpool, for the strike action starting this Saturday. It's a cynical manoeuvre by NML to deny you the cost-of-living payment most other members have received automatically. You will continue to have the national union’s support until you get what you deserve."

Huge public support on Facebook

The Facebook pages of each of NML’s museum and gallery venues have included a message about closures due to the strikes, including a statement from the director, Laura Pye. Out of the hundreds of messages left in response to these posts, almost all are in support of the strikes – almost certainly not what NML expected or hoped.

On the Museum of Liverpool page, Dawn Grant said “Solidarity with the museum workers. There would be no museums without them.”

And referencing Laura Pye’s statement, Carol Marie said “Your visitors aren’t all disappointed. Many of us stand in solidarity with striking workers and fully support their action.”

The World Museum page has messages including one from Janice Hodkinson who said “No sympathy with you [management]….pay them the £1500 they are entitled to!”

On the page of the Walker Art Gallery Shelagh Cullity said “Pay them the cost of living payment and you won’t be disappointing anybody then. Solidarity with PCS members on strike.”

Selina Hood said: “Shame it coincides with half term but understand the reasons.”

And quite a few people have posted to signpost people to other activities/venues to enjoy while the museums are closed.

On the page for the Lady Lever Art Gallery on the Wirral, Rob Holder added a screenshot of senior staff salaries and commented: “It’s easy to condemn those trying to keep up with the cost of living when your annual package is worth over £155k. Good luck to the workers.”

Find out how you can support the striking museum staff.

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