Statement from the National Coal Mining Museum – 6 November 2025
Updated Statement 6 November 2025
The National Coal Mining Museum said:
“The Charity’s Trustees are very grateful for the continued support of visitors to our free-to-enter Museum and regret any inconvenience caused by the current industrial action by Unison members.
The majority of our staff continue to work as normal, supported by our dedicated volunteers, and the Museum remains open with a full programme of activities. However, due to the strike, underground tours are temporarily unavailable. We are working hard and offering alternative experiences, including our Time Tunnel and other mining heritage tours, but it has meant that we have had to reschedule some visits for families, schools, and groups.
The Charity has compromised and offered a settlement which would give the craftspeople within the mining team exactly the uplift which Unison have demanded and supports the vision of a staffing structure comparable with other organisations, which Unison have quoted as desirable.
We are disappointed therefore that our offer has been rejected and that industrial action has been extended until 28 January. Our most recent proposal included a £1 per hour increase for Museum Guides with specialist skills, such as electricians and fitters, and a 5% uplift for the wider team. It also committed to Death in Service benefits and a review of the staffing structure over the next 12 months. This offer followed extensive discussions with Unison and was designed to align the museum’s pay structure with, and in some cases exceed, those of comparable organisations, meeting a key request from the union.
We would like to stress that no offer of £1 or 5%, whichever is greater, was ever agreed, by the Executive Team or the Board of Trustees. This is a misrepresentation of the pay negotiations by Unison.
The Museum is committed to fair and ethical pay. As a Living Wage employer all staff are paid above the Minimum Wage. Despite the challenging economic environment nationally, the Trustees have previously approved an above inflation pay increase of 5% for all employees this year, following an above inflation increase last year. This equates to a 14% rise over two years for many staff, including Museum Guides.
The Charity’s Chief Executive and leadership team have the full support of the Board of Trustees in seeking a fair and sustainable resolution. Throughout this process, the Museum has remained open to negotiation and has made multiple offers, none of which have been accepted. Unfortunately, the union has maintained firm red lines and issued demands, making meaningful compromise and progress impossible. We do not consider UNISON’s current pay claim to be reasonable, equitable or affordable.
Claims based on our reported 2023/24 operating surplus are misleading, as these funds are restricted and designated for specific purposes, and are not available for pay increases.
Like many charities, we are facing increasing financial pressures, and any offer must protect the museum’s future, ensuring we can continue to share the vital story of coal mining for generations to come.
The Charity remains committed to recognising expertise, rewarding the valuable contributions of all team members, and making decisions guided by fairness and affordability. We will continue to use sector benchmarks as we implement our Succession Plan.
Despite the ongoing industrial action, the Museum continues to welcome thousands of visitors, with strong attendance throughout autumn. We would like to thank all of our visitors for their support during this time. Our full programme of activities, events, and tours remains in place, ensuring an engaging and enriching experience for all. Our focus remains firmly on delivering a vibrant cultural offer and sharing the vital story of coal mining with our communities and visitors.“
Find out more about how this may affect your visit here