National Museums Scotland contract dispute with PCS resolved

The three-year industrial dispute at the National Museums of Scotland has been resolved, according to the trade union involved.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has suspended the first three weeks of a planned six weeks of weekend strikes following what it describes as “a breakthrough offer from management”.

The move follows two weeks of intensive negotiations ahead of the strikes.

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The museum has now committed to increase the wages of low-paid staff by more than those at the top of the pay scale and give temporary workers first option of new permanent jobs, which are expected to be announced soon.

National Museums Scotland said funding support from the Scottish Government and efficiency savings had enabled the improved offer, as well as a single one-off payment to end weekend working allowances.

PCS national officer Lynn Henderson said: “We are pleased to announce that our members have voted overwhelmingly to accept the offer from management.

“For PCS, the dispute was always about two things, low pay and ending the two-tier workforce. This deal meets both our objectives.

“This settlement is hugely significant for our members in National Museums Scotland who have shown that through united and determined action we can win significant results, even in the face of austerity.”

National Museums Scotland looks after national collections at the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum.