Hundreds at London's British Library go on strike, as Tate workers consider action

"Around 300 workers at the British Library in London have gone on strike in a dispute over pay. The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS), which organised the industrial action, says that its members will man picket lines from 27 October to 9 November. The two-week strike could disrupt the opening of a major new exhibition, Secret Maps (until 18 January 2026), which reveals "the stories hidden in some of history's most mysterious maps"."

"PCS says that their members' key demand is for an "inflation-proof pay rise" as many employees are "forced to work second jobs and take out loans to pay their bills and meet housing costs". The union adds that the British Library has increased its pay rise from 2% to 2.4%, or £800 if higher in value, but "refused to negotiate a fair pay deal that reflects the contribution of our members"."

"Tate initially offered a 2% pay increase for workers in 2025/26, according to PCS. "This has now been increased to 3% but is still lower than the Civil Service Pay Remit and does not address the issues of low pay at the institution," a union statement says. PCS also claims that "senior leaders" at Tate take home total remuneration packages ranging from £195,000 to £320,000."

Around 300 staff at the British Library have begun a two-week strike with picket lines from 27 October to 9 November. The industrial action could disrupt the Secret Maps exhibition opening and reading room services. PCS demands an inflation-proof pay rise and reports many employees work second jobs or take loans to meet bills and housing costs. The British Library increased an offer from 2% to 2.4% or £800 but did not reach a negotiated deal. Plans for director bonuses were dropped after PCS revealed them. Over 100 PCS members at Tate face a ballot after a revised pay offer.

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