More than 100 staff members at the Tate galleries in England began an indefinite strike on August 18, 2020, protesting the institution's plan to cut over 300 jobs from its commercial arm, Tate Enterprises. The PCS union voted overwhelmingly in favor of striking after Tate confirmed 313 redundancies, citing anticipated revenue loss from a long-term drop in visitor numbers due to the pandemic. Workers are demanding that 10% of government bailout funds be invested in Tate commerce, that no redundancies occur while senior staff earn six-figure salaries, and that Tate push for more government aid. The strike has closed several Tate gift shops, with picketing scheduled through August 22 and an indefinite strike from August 24.
This strike matters because it highlights the severe financial strain on major cultural institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting labor conflicts between management and workers. Tate, one of the UK's most prominent museum networks, is making deep cuts that critics say disproportionately affect low-paid and minority employees, even as senior staff retain high salaries. The action also draws attention to broader austerity in the UK arts sector, with the nearby Southbank Centre planning over 400 job cuts. The outcome could set a precedent for how publicly funded museums handle restructuring and worker rights during economic crises.