V&A members of Prospect and PCS have announced further industrial action on 29 and 30 October 2026 as part of the ongoing dispute regarding the 2026 pay award.
We sincerely regret that the Trade Unions have voted again for strike action. While discussions remain ongoing and we are limited in what we can say publicly about the negotiations, we have been engaging in good faith since February and have met the majority of their demands through a significantly improved offer which we believe is fair, competitive and affordable.
Our current offer includes a pay rise averaging 4.18%, with a 6.9% increase for our lowest-paid colleagues. The offer also includes increased bank holiday pay to 1.5 x normal rates, a sector-leading bonus scheme, and a subsidised food offer for staff across all V&A sites.
All V&A staff are paid at least the London Living Wage, our review of accreditation is underway and will conclude by the end of this year.
We remain available for discussions with our Trade Union colleagues and continue to hope a resolution can be reached.
Will my visit be affected?
All V&A sites will be impacted by industrial action on 29 and 30 October.
V&A South Kensington
The museum will remain open with a reduced visitor offer. Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, the café and some ground floor galleries will be open, but we expect much of the museum to be closed and other events to be cancelled.
Young V&A
Young V&A will be open for Inside: Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends and pre-booked half-term events only.
V&A East Museum and V&A East Storehouse
Both sites will be closed.
Ticket holders for any cancelled events will be contacted directly.
For the latest information, please refer to the relevant Plan your visit page:
V&A South Kensington: Plan your visit
Young V&A: Plan your visit
V&A East Museum: Plan your visit
V&A East Storehouse: Plan your visit
