Glasgow Unison museum workers to strike for five days over plans to slash jobs

Trade union members are set to walk out in five days of strike action over plans to slash jobs across Glasgow’s museums.

Unison claims Glasgow Life intends to cut 38 posts in the city’s museums and collections department to save £1.5m.

Behind-the-scenes roles such as curators, conservators, technicians, outreach and learning assistants, collections staff and positions involving photography, editorial and design are all under threat.

The strikes will take place from October 23 until October 27.

Brian Smith, Unison branch secretary in Glasgow, said: “Our members remain in a hugely difficult position, despite some changes to the job cuts proposal by Glasgow Life at the eleventh hour. But it was too little, too late.

“These workers are taking a stand to defend both themselves and the city’s world class museums. They deserve support.

“Unison calls on Glasgow City Council’s political leaders to intervene and provide the funding required to resolve this dispute”.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “We have received notification from Unison of some Glasgow Life Museums and Collections staff participating in industrial action from October 23-27.

“Glasgow Life’s annual service fee was cut by Glasgow City Council when the council confirmed its 2023/24 budget in February. As a result, we must make £7.1m worth of savings in this financial year.

“The measures identified within our museums and collections service, which were approved by the council, are a direct consequence of the continued pressures on public sector finance.

“Senior museums officers have met with Unison and our other trade unions repeatedly this year to explain the financial context for Glasgow Life’s operating climate and to discuss the implications of the planned staffing reduction within Glasgow Life’s Museums service. To achieve a balanced budget, and without additional funding, our only option would be to take the savings agreed in museums from elsewhere in Glasgow Life.

“We recognise how valued our museums and collections are to Glasgow’s communities and the city’s international profile, and we understand the concern any changes may cause. However, we have been saying for some time now that the savings we are making this year add up to around 9% of our annual service fee from the Council and ensure none of our facilities will have to close. Wherever possible, we have identified ways of making savings by reducing, rather than losing, Glasgow Life services, programmes, and events; retaining the potential to rebuild them in the future.”

STV News has contacted Glasgow City Council for comment.