Statement from the National Coal Mining Museum – 13 February
Updated Statement from the National Coal Mining Museum on the Ongoing Industrial Action
The National Coal Mining Museum said:
The industrial action currently taking place at the Museum is deeply upsetting for everyone who works here, both the minority of colleagues who are participating in the strike and the majority who continue to come in each day, working hard to support the Museum’s aims and ambitions. During this period, staff and volunteers at work have remained committed to telling the important history of coal mining.
The Charity is particularly disappointed that the fourth and most recent pay offer has been rejected by Unison members, especially as this offer reflected exactly what Unison proposed during the latest round of negotiations and at 6.5% – 7% for striking workers is significantly above inflation.
During those discussions, Unison requested an amnesty for individuals involved in lawful industrial action. The Charity agreed to this amnesty. However, where conduct involved abuse, harassment, or bullying, these matters must be addressed in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures. No member of staff should experience abuse or harassment, and the Charity’s position is both reasonable and designed to protect all staff while restoring a positive and respectful workplace.
It is important to say that only Unison members are participating in the strike, and they represent a minority of the workforce. Many colleagues are members of other unions whose views are not being represented in the ongoing public debate. A large majority of staff who continue to work are supportive of the original 5% pay award and feel it is generous in the current economic climate.
Our programmes with schools, young people, isolated individuals, and vulnerable groups have continued as have our tours, talks, exhibitions and events. All of these make a meaningful difference to thousands of people.
The industrial action has also been accompanied by substantial misinformation. The Charity has repeatedly asked that it be acknowledged that this information is manifestly and demonstrably incorrect.
It is everyone’s hope that a resolution is reached soon. The Charity will continue to work with ACAS as it has done from the beginning of the industrial action with the hope that a sustainable, fair and reasonable solution can be found.
Find out more about how this may affect your visit here