Industrial action boosts PCS membership at Tate Gallery
Members at the Tate Gallery have endorsed an end to industrial action, closing a campaign that has led to a 125% increase in membership.
Following the first round of industrial action in November over pay, terms and conditions, PCS went back into negotiations with Tate Gallery management. The strong turnout, with over 200 members on picket lines, had a big impact. PCS secured significant improvements but there was still more to be done.
As a result of the campaign, new members joined PCS from a wide range of job roles, including the art handling teams, conservators and curatorial staff.
To keep up the pressure on management, PCS issued an additional notice of targeted and sustained industrial action, utilising the increased leverage gained through the branch’s strategic recruitment efforts.
Just before the new round of strike action was due to start, Tate management made final revisions to its offer, including a consolidated pay offer which is 50 and 80% higher than its original offer, restoration of conditions of service including the subsidised staff canteens, clear pathways to better working conditions, with consultation for installation schedules and negotiations to implement better rest provision. Going forward PCS has also been promised negotiations on new agreements which will give PCS real influence over the key decisions which affect our members.
This was enough for members to call off the strike action and close the active industrial campaign.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our members were prepared to take further strike action, and that pressure forced the employer to come back with a far stronger offer than was originally on the table.
“Crucially, this dispute has delivered major, tangible wins for our members, including the return of subsidised hot meals in Tate canteens, something that was wrongly taken away last year and had a real impact on staff wellbeing. Restoring this provision is a significant victory for our members and for basic workplace dignity.
“No deal is perfect, but PCS will hold Tate to every commitment made and continue pushing for further improvements in future pay talks.”