National Coal Mining Museum Strike Extended
The strike at the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield has been extended by another four weeks. This decision was made by the trade union, which represents over 40 employees who have been on strike since August. The strike will now continue until Sunday, November 9th.
Reasons Behind the Strike
The main reason behind the strike is a dispute over pay. The union has accused the museum’s managing director, Lynn Dunning, of having "no interest in returning to discussions" about pay. The museum, on the other hand, claims that it is "completely open to constructive dialogue" with the union.
Dispute Over Pay Offer
The union claims that the museum initially offered a 5% pay increase or £1 per hour for every employee. However, this offer was later downgraded to 5% or 80p per hour, depending on which value was larger. The museum denies this, saying that the union’s claim is an "incorrect representation" and that no such offer was ever agreed.
Museum’s Response
The museum says that it is committed to "fair and ethical pay" and that its current offer for the second year is an "above-inflation offer". The museum’s spokesman said, "We are completely open to constructive dialogue with Unison, to find a solution that supports both our employees and our long-term sustainability."
Support from Wakefield Council
Wakefield Council has shown its support for the striking employees by voting to withhold funding from the museum until the dispute is settled. The union’s regional organizer, Rianne Hooley, said, "The employees do not want to be on strike for months, but they have no other option until the museum and its managing director return with an acceptable offer." She also added that the city council has lost confidence in the managing director, who has not shown any interest in returning to talks.
Call for Dialogue
The museum has called for the union to meet with them to discuss a solution that supports both the employees and the museum’s long-term sustainability. However, the museum has also stated that it does not consider the union’s current pay claim to be "appropriate, fair, or affordable". The strike continues, with no end in sight, as the two parties remain at odds over the pay dispute.
