Some galleries in the museum were closed and some events were canceled due to the British Museum’s staff, which has one of the world’s largest collections, going on strike for a week over a disagreement over a salary increase.
Representatives of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) voiced their demands in front of the museum, which is affiliated with the UK Ministry of Digital, Culture, Sports, and Media.
PCS representative and British Museum Visitor Services employee Hamza Assef said they went on a one-week strike on February 13-19 to demand at least an increase in wages at the rate of inflation, job security, improvement of dismissal conditions, and social benefits.
Stating that they want at least a 10% increase from the museum management and the government due to the increasing living costs and inflation in the country, Assef said, “This is the salary increase we should get, but the administration refuses to pay it. They are trying to impose a 4 percent increase on us. Deciding that this was not enough, our members decided to go on strike as a last resort after months of negotiations.” he said.
“We want our voices to be heard,” Assef said they hoped the strike would affect the decisions regarding salary increases.
Stating that they received support from the public and the press, Assef said, “I think positively and I believe that the talks will bear fruit. If we don’t get what we want, our members will go on strike again.” said.
Emphasizing that they will not compromise on their salary demands, Assef said, “10 percent is an ideal increase rate. The museum makes more profit than it can provide. Employees will not accept a rate lower than this.” used the phrases.
“Museum staff can leave now for a better salary”
Jack Collard, the employee of the security unit of the museum, also pointed out that the offer of salary increase was below the standards.
Noting that the work of the museum was disrupted due to the strike, Collard said, “Visitors who come to the museum today will not be able to see the entire museum. Because enough is enough. Enough is enough for museum staff, PCS members, and other public servants.” said.
Pointing out that security workers in the private sector receive higher salaries, Collard said, “We will be as determined as possible in the 10 percent offer. There has been hiring of 10 to 12 percent in the security industry since the Covid-19 restrictions. Security workers working here can quit now for better pay. This should not be true for an important institution like the British Museum. To run a high-quality security job at the museum, we need to have a competitive salary.” made its assessment.
Galleries will be closed earlier or completely
According to the statement made by the British Museum, some events in the museum will be canceled due to the strike, while some museum sections will be closed earlier than usual or completely.
The information, ticket office, and cloakroom services of the museum will be completely closed.
Museum Director Hartwig Fischer, in a written statement, stated that he respected the strike decision and said, “Free events are very important for the museum. I am sorry that family visits to the museum will be interrupted during the semester break.” used the phrases.