Staff at the National Galleries of Scotland will strike on Friday, according to members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCSU).
Staff say that there have been changes to the rotas for gallery attendants, resulting in reduced numbers of people working in the galleries.
The union says their members will refuse to wear the NGS uniform on their return to work – action short of a strike.
Ruby Gibson, PCSU national officer for Scotland, accused NGS of failing to consult staff and refusing to engage with complaints.
She said: “It is ironic that while the Scottish Government is attempting to save money for the public purse by cutting budgets and talking about worker-led reforms, employers are disregarding their workers’ views and wasting money on overtime.
“Any disruption to the galleries during this crucial time of the year will be because of their failure to consult.”
A spokesperson for The Scottish Government said: “National Galleries of Scotland is operationally independent. However, we encourage everyone involved to get round the table to resolve this and prevent any reduction in service to the public.”
The National Galleries of Scotland are closing some of their rooms in August as strike action is scheduled for other days in August.
They issued this statement: “Due to industrial action by the Public and Commercial Services Union we’ve had to make changes to when our galleries are open on certain days this August:
- Saturday 8 August: Our summer exhibition, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, will open as intended from 10am – 5pm at the Royal Scottish Academy. The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, shops and cafes will be closed.
- Wednesday 12 August: The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, including shops and cafés, plus the Royal Scottish Academy building, will be closed.
- Sunday 16 August: The Tea Green Summer Market, café and shop will be open at the Portrait gallery. The National and Modern galleries, the upper floors of the Portrait gallery, the Royal Scottish Academy building and our shops and cafes will be closed.
- Thursday 20 August: The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, shops, cafés and the Royal Scottish Academy building, will be closed. The grounds and car parks at Modern One and Modern Two will be open as normal throughout
“Between these dates, the galleries – as well as Catherine Opie: To Be Seen - will be open for you to visit and enjoy.
“Existing ticket holders will be contacted.
“We’re really sorry for any inconvenience. Our colleagues, visitors and the art in our care remain our highest priorities.”
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