National Gallery trustees meet on Thursday as staff prepare for a third period of strike action against plans to privatise two-thirds of the workforce. Outsourcing would not only be bad for loyal staff but also put at risk the security of the paintings and the service provided to the 6 million people who visit the gallery every year. Recent TUC research shows that outsourcing puts at risk the quality of public services, as well as worsening staff pay and conditions.
Tendering is proposed to begin shortly before a new chair of trustees and gallery director take office, who should surely have a say in the plans.
We are calling on the trustees to step back from these proposals and try to find a mutually agreed solution for the gallery’s future.
We are also concerned that Candy Udwin, a senior PCS representative, was suspended by the gallery the day before strike action started.
Mark Serwotka General secretary, Public and Commercial Services union
Frances O’Grady General secretary, TUC
Christine Blower, General secretary, National Union of Teachers
Billy Bragg Musician
Earl of Clancarty
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Steve Gillan General secretary, Prison Officers’ Association
Sally Hunt General secretary, University and College Union
Ken Loach Film director
Len McCluskey General secretary, Unite
John McDonnell MP
Bob and Roberta Smith Artist
John Smith General secretary, Musicians’ Union
Valerie Vaz MP
Matt Wrack General secretary, Fire Brigades’ Union
Ian Lavery MP
