The union behind strikes planned at three London museums this week says it has launched legal claims against the external contractor Wilson James. Security guards at the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum say they will take strike action from 17 to 20 January in protest over “stagnant pay”.
According to the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, about 100 of its members work as security guards at the three museums. All are employed by Wilson James.
A UVW statement says: “Security guards at the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and V&A Museum are striking after years of stagnant pay and real-terms pay cuts and have already taken strike action over 16 days. They are demanding £16 an hour, sick pay from day one, and an additional week of annual leave.”
A Wilson James spokesperson says: “We offer competitive compensation and are committed to transparent negotiations with our recognised unions. While we acknowledge the demands put forward by UVW, we are seeking a resolution that balances fair pay with the need to remain financially responsible.”
The planned strikes coincide with three legal claims against Wilson James, for “race and disability discrimination, victimisation, unlawful pay cuts, and blacklisting”, UVW says. One of the claims involves a migrant worker and union member who was allegedly subjected to racist remarks.
Another claim involves a zero-hours worker who refused to cross a picket line during October strikes. UVW alleges that the worker was subsequently penalised with cancelled shifts and reduced wages. The third claim involves a female guard who was recovering from cancer, but was allegedly repeatedly denied a chair.
The Wilson James spokesperson says: “The safety of both our team members and the public are our top priority and we are committed to maintaining a respectful and fair working environment. We are aware of the situations relating to the individuals in UVW’s statement and are working with the relevant parties towards resolution. We do not condone or practice any form of coercion related to attendance.”