More than 150 unionized workers at Britain's Tate museums, represented by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), will strike from November 26 to December 2 over what they call inadequate pay raises. The strike follows a vote where 98% of members supported action, with 88% turnout. Staff at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St. Ives were offered a 2-3% salary increase, which the union argues is below the government's Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance maximum of 3.25%. The action coincides with the opening of the major exhibition "Turner & Constable: Rivals & Originals" at Tate Britain on November 27.
The strike highlights growing tensions between Tate's senior management and its workforce, especially as directors receive six-figure salaries while many staff report salaries insufficient to cover basic living costs. The dispute comes after Tate cut 40 roles in March and over 300 jobs since 2020 due to pandemic-related deficits. The outcome could disrupt gallery operations and public access during a key exhibition period, while Tate is also exploring controversial fundraising measures, including selling naming rights to Tate Modern's Turbine Hall for £50 million to support a new endowment fund.