V&A members of Prospect and PCS voted for Industrial action in August 2026 after the V&A and Trade Unions failed to reach an agreement on several issues during regular negotiations.
We deeply regret that the Trade Unions have voted for strike action. Because we are still in discussion with the unions about the dispute, we are limited in what we can say about the process, but we have been negotiating with them in good faith since February and have met the majority of their demands with a significantly improved offer, which we believe is fair, competitive and affordable.
Although we are not accredited, all V&A staff are paid the London Living Wage and have been for many years. To thank colleagues for their hard work last year, we also shared out a sector-leading bonus payment.
The safety and wellbeing of our staff is of the utmost importance to the V&A – all our staff have regular access to water, toilet facilities and breaks while at work.
At V&A East Storehouse we have air cooling systems, and water fountains on every floor to ensure both staff and visitors in Front of House areas have access to drinking water throughout the building.
Extensive measures were also in place to support our staff during this summer’s heatwaves, ranging from additional rest breaks to closing several galleries at V&A South Kensington and closing Young V&A altogether during the peak of the heatwave.
We remain available for negotiations with our Trade Union colleagues.
Will my visit be affected?
For information about how industrial action may affect your visit to London-based V&A museums, please refer the relevant Plan your visit page:
V&A South Kensington: Plan your visit
V&A East Storehouse: Plan your visit
V&A East Museum: Plan your visit
Young V&A: Plan your visit
