V&A Changes Paid Break Policy as East Storehouse Strike Looms
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) changed its paid break policy for workers at its East Storehouse after staff voted to strike over working conditions, according to Museums Association. Prospect, the union representing collections access officers, said workers lacked sufficient time for bathroom breaks and water and demanded two paid breaks per shift; the V&A granted the breaks on August 7. Prospect members said they still plan to strike over pay and other issues, while the V&A stated it has negotiated with the union since February and offered a 3.6% overall pay increase, a minimum increase above inflation, and a 6.9% increase for the lowest-paid workers. Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy criticized the museum for only acting under strike pressure, and the V&A denied claims of unsafe working conditions.
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This story was covered in Closures, Cuts, and Culture Under Siege