Museum staff stage walkout over pay

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The walkout will hit the Science Museums in London and Swindon, the National Media Museum in Bradford, and the National Railway Museum in York.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and Prospect were said to be "furious" at the imposition of a below-inflation pay deal.

The PCS said the deal had been delayed by more than a year and would see many members receive significantly less than 3% for 2007-08 and 2.7% for 2008-09.

Prospect said the increase was "insulting" and only set aside 1.5% for a cost-of-living increase in 2007, with nothing at all except performance-related pay increases allocated for 2008 for its members.

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS, said: "To avoid disappointment, we would advise visitors to the museums to make alternative plans.

"Strike action is not a step our members take lightly but, faced with pitiful pay levels and real-term pay cuts, hard-working staff have taken the decision to make a stand.

"Museum staff along with other civil and public servants have grown increasingly frustrated with the Government's policy of below-inflation pay which is driving down the living standards of a diverse and dedicated workforce.

"Management have to recognise that it has to pay a fair wage and the Government needs to rethink its draconian pay policy."

Prospect national officer Emily Boase added: "Members are furious and their patience has been exhausted."