Striking museum staff have hit out at the city’s Labour administration for backing what they say is a “fire and rehire” policy.
Brighton and Hove Museums, which took on staff previously employed by Brighton and Hove City Council five years ago, has asked employees to sign new contracts which remove the right to the same pay rises council staff get.
Staff say they’ve been told this is a result of a new funding agreement with the council, which no longer has money ringfenced to pay for this, and removes a condition requiring it.
The council still owns the museums, Preston Manor and the Royal Pavilion, but set up the trust to run them in 2020, when it was promised staff would continue to have the same rights as council staff.
The trust denies it is implementing a “fire and rehire” policy. Following a strike on Saturday, 4 April, another strike is due to be held on Wednesday.
One staff member, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “The council has reneged on its promise there wouldn’t be a two-tier workforce.
“Our employer has used the threat of fire and rehire – and has told us this is coming from a Labour council at arm’s length.
“This is a Labour administration that has publicly stated that it is against fire and rehire as a practice in the city.
“So, while taking public credit for being anti fire and rehire, they are actively and secretly pushing to do exactly that to all the Royal Pavilion and museum staff.”
He said that of the roughly 160 people who work for the trust, more than 100 are members of the GMB union, and about another 30 of Unison, all of whom have been advised by their unions not to sign the new contracts.
The new contracts have also been slammed by former Labour Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who who has since joined the Green Party.
He said: “This is a clear case of broken promises. Staff were told their pay and conditions would be protected, and that has been quietly abandoned.
“There is no need for this. The council and the trust both have the power to honour NJC terms, but instead workers are being made to pay the price.
“These are public assets, owned by the people of Brighton and Hove. They should not be run by driving down staff pay and conditions. I stand in full solidarity with GMB members taking action.”
Hedley Swain, CEO at Brighton and Hove Museums, said: “Our priority is to protect jobs, keep all sites open and ensure the long-term sustainability of Brighton and Hove’s historic buildings, so they can continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
“Like many museums across the country, we are experiencing significant rising costs on top of cuts to our public funding. The changes to staff contracts are in response to these challenges and we believe are proportionate.
“We recognise this is an unsettling time for staff and visitors, and we are continuing to work closely with union representatives to find a constructive way forward. Any changes to opening times due to industrial action will be advertised through our website.”
Brighton and Hove Labour were approached for comment.
