V&A workers to strike over pay and conditions

4 hours ago

Getty Images Exterior of the V&A in London

Museum workers at the V&A in London are to stage a two-day strike in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Members of Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) will walk out on Friday and Saturday, meaning only a limited number of galleries will be open.

Prospect is calling for a minimum 4% pay increase for staff earning above the living wage and other benefits including time-and-a-half for bank holiday working.

The strike action will only cover the museum's site in South Kensington but Prospect said it remained in dispute at other V&A sites across the capital.

Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art will remain open throughout the strike (as will the cafe)

Getty Images Back to the future outfit designed by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli is displayed at the "Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art" exhibition at The V&A on March 24, 2026 in London, England. — Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art will remain open throughout the strike (as will the cafe)

Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, said members had been left with "no choice" but to take action as senior management "continues to not engage seriously on our very reasonable demands".

He added: "Directors at V&A continue to demonstrate their lack of respect for the very people who make the museum what it is – its dedicated, highly qualified staff.

"The V&A can still avoid this strike, but it needs actual effort to meet our terms and for senior management to demonstrate that they are serious about wanting to find a solution."

The V&A said in a statement: "Due to planned industrial action on 25 and 26 September 2026, V&A South Kensington will be operating a reduced visitor offer.

"Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, the cafe and a limited number of galleries will be open, but we expect the rest of the museum will be closed."

Young V&A, V&A East Museum and Storehouse will be open as usual.