The Royal Pavilion and the city’s museums could close on Saturday as staff strike over changes to their terms and conditions.
Brighton Pavilion and Museums Trust, which took over the running of Brighton and Hove’s museums from the city council in 2018, has asked employees to sign new contracts by today, the GMB union says.
The new contracts mean they will no longer get the same nationally-agreed pay rises as council workers and other changes to sick and holiday pay.
GMB says 84 per cent of its members at the trust took part in a ballot for strike action, of whom 94 per cent voted in favour – and members will now walk out on Saturday.
It says it has more than 100 member across the trust, with more joining day by day.
Catherine Mathews, GMB regional organiser, said: “We know what the Pavilion means to the people of Brighton and we are determined that it is looked after in the best way possible for future generations to enjoy.
“That’s why the passionate, knowledgeable staff there need to be protected from swingeing cuts to their employment rights so they don’t need to find jobs elsewhere.
“Even before these contractual changes, the staff have among themselves set up a food bank to help those among them to help keep their heads above water.
“Our members voted in serious numbers to take action if the trust do not back down – it may seem like a joke, but our members are no April Fools.”
This is Brighton city council at its horrid best,its a care less council,it finds it hard to be financially viable, it thinks nothing about employees because it can not run the city as its incapable of doing so it’s all bluster, and borrowing beyond its means,I hope the staff go on strike,and keep the pavilion closed,it charges enough for the privilege anyway ,and to me it’s quite expensive,
Please read the article – I don’t have any paricular love for Brighton Clowncil but in this case “Brighton Pavilion and Museums Trust, which took over the running of Brighton and Hove’s museums from the city council in 2018 are responsible for this debacle –not the council…
Nothing to do with BHCC, private company took over 8 years ago, do keep up.
Slashing terms and conditions for those who work there is a disgrace. If there are problems. Including financial problems, it should be discussed with a view to reaching an agreement. Giving workers, what is in effect an ultimatum, cannot help
They are not slashing T & C’s, they are putting them on new contracts as they are still on BHCC contracts.
They do not work for BHCC so effectively, contracts they have will be worthless anyway.
I think it officially became a Trust and took over from the council on October 1 2020.