Coal mining museum workers set for strike action

Museum workers voted for strike action after claims a promised pay rise was pulled

The National Coal Mining Museum is set to pause its underground tours due to a staff pay dispute.

More than 40 members of the UNISON union at the museum in Wakefield are to go on strike for four weeks after the attraction said it couldn't afford an increase above its offer of 5%.

Staff are set to walk out from 20 August to 14 September, with further action threatened if an agreement was not met.

A spokesperson for the museum called the decision "extremely disappointing", with UNISON writing to the site's trustees to request a meeting.

UNISON argued the pay offer should be 5% or £1 an hour more, whichever is higher, and claims a previous agreement was pulled by the attraction.

However, the museum said a £1 an hour increase would be the equivalent of 8% for many workers and would "threaten the long-term sustainability of the museum".

Workers were balloted for strike action, with 74% backing the move.

Rianne Hooley, UNISON regional organiser, said: "Nobody wants to take strike action, but nobody wants to be messed about either.

"There's still time for the museum to stop any disruption."

A spokesperson for the museum said: "This will impact the experiences of so many children, families, and schools to whom the museum means so much.  

"Our museum is a vital place for people of all ages to understand more about the important history of coal mining and many have visits booked for months in advance."

The museum confirmed it would remain open despite the strike, however tours of the 230-year-old mine could not be offered during the industrial action.

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