National Galleries of Scotland set to be hit with staff walkouts during Edinburgh Fringe

Members of the PCS Union have overwhelmingly voted in favour of walkouts over detrimental changes to working practices for Gallery Attendants. 

The gallery staff in the Security and Visitor Experience team have raised major concerns over the new minimum staffing level requirements, stating there are serious health and safety concerns, and threats to the quality of experience for visitors. These proposed changes would result in frequent room and floor closures of exhibitions.

The NGS failed to consult with PCS over these changes and have justified their actions under the Scottish Government's Public Service Reform Strategy. PCS believes that this is the first of many attacks on workers as part of the Government's cuts agenda.

PCS Scotland national officer, Ruby Gibson said:

“This ballot result is a clear message to NGS management that our members will not allow damaging changes to be imposed upon them.

 "This situation exposes the reality of Ivan McKee’s Public Service Reform strategy for what it is – more cuts to public services with no regard for the workforce.

 "While the government are full of rhetoric about 'consulting the workforce', the reality is that highly paid and unaccountable senior leaders are charging ahead, cutting service delivery with complete disregard for the people who do the actual work.

 "PCS will not allow the government’s plans for Public Service Reform to act as a smokescreen for attacks on jobs and conditions.”

END

Notes to Editors 

• The ballot result was an 81% turnout and 80% voting in favour of strike action.
• PCS is the largest civil service union and represents 27,000 workers across Scotland.

• Contact Ruby Gibson for further enquiries – [email protected] / 07717196436