Striking museum workers agree 10% pay deal

Staff at the National Coal Mining Museum (NCMM) in Wakefield, Yorkshire, have called off further industrial action after agreeing to a pay rise of up to 10.5%.

Union members staged a five-day strike last month after receiving a pay offer that was less than half of the £2,000 increase they had requested in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

The museum has now offered full-time workers a revised pay settlement of £1,650 plus a one-off cost-of-living payment of £350, with part-time staff receiving a pro-rata increase.

The Museums Association says the increase will apply to around 100 staff, many of whom are ex-miners who work as guides.

Unison's Wakefield district Branch Secretary Sam Greenwood said: “Museum staff took a stand and have achieved a wage rise that goes some way towards helping them through the cost-of-living crisis.

“Thankfully now the museum and its employees can continue with their amazing work sharing the story of the region's substantial coal mining heritage for future generations to better understand and enjoy.”