As the UK swelters through another summer of record-breaking temperatures, thousands of workers across the nation are crying out for relief from the heat – and better pay – in some of Britain's most iconic institutions. More than 300 staff at the V&A Museum are taking part in a crucial ballot for strike action over pay, working conditions during heatwaves, and access to drinking water, highlighting the mounting pressure on low-paid workers in key sectors.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) initiated the ballot on 23 July 2026, citing "serious and unresolved concerns" affecting staff across the museum. The dispute encompasses four London sites: the main V&A museum in South Kensington, V&A East Museum and V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, and Young V&A in Bethnal Green. Central to the PCS's demands is a minimum 4% pay increase for staff, alongside calls for the V&A to become an accredited London living wage employer.
While the V&A confirms its direct employees receive at least the current London living wage of £14.80 per hour, the union points out that some outsourced contractors working at the museum are not paid this rate – a situation set to be reviewed later in 2026. The V&A's stance has been met with criticism from the PCS, which argues that management is "failing the very people who keep one of Britain's most prestigious museums running" by refusing to allow staff to carry or drink water while working.
A key aspect of the dispute is the focus on workplace conditions during heatwaves. The PCS is advocating for a policy that would see public areas closed when temperatures exceed 30C, and better heat mitigation measures for staff in back-of-house areas. Crucially, the union is demanding permission for V&A East Storehouse staff to carry and drink water while on duty in areas where exhibits are displayed – currently, they must wait for relief before being able to take a drink.
PCS Culture Secretary Nick Marro stated that members are balloting for strike action because "enough is enough" – echoing the frustration of low-paid workers across the UK. The V&A has countered with an offer including a 3.6% increase in the overall pay bill, above-inflation pay awards as a minimum, and a 6.9% increase for its lowest-paid colleagues.
The dispute raises pressing questions about the treatment of low-paid workers in key sectors, and whether they can continue to afford living wages amidst rising costs. The ONS has highlighted that, despite some improvements, real-term pay is still lagging behind inflation – with household finances under increasing pressure as a result. As the V&A dispute unfolds, one thing is clear: Britain's low-paid workers deserve better working conditions and fair pay in line with their value to the nation's economy.
In a related development, the Prospect trade union has also begun balloting its members at the V&A over similar concerns regarding pay and conditions. Their ballot will run concurrently with the PCS's, adding further pressure on management to address the underlying issues driving staff unrest.