Workers at the National Gallery – who include; conservators,
curators, information assistants, librarians, information systems staff,
photographers and designers – are angry that the Treasury was almost 12 months
late in agreeing their 2007 pay remit. They have just staged their second
24-hour strike by Prospect members this year. This follows a campaign of action
short of a strike that reflects growing anger at management’s refusal to reopen
pay negotiations.
This will be the third year in succession staff have had a
below-inflation award imposed. As well as being outraged at the imposition of a
two-year deal which covers both 2007 and 2008, members are deeply unhappy over
the lack of any action to improve progress through pay bands (it currently
takes 18 years to reach the top) and the miserly increase to pay band ceilings
which will impact on future earnings and result in smaller pensions.
Prospect represents over 60 members at the National Gallery.
The offer imposed for both 2007 and 2008 equates to 3.8% per year. These
workers deserve better.
