 The PCS claims staff could desert the museums |
Liverpool's national museums could face an exodus of staff in the run-up to its year as Capital of Culture unless wages improve, a union has claimed. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said some staff receive only 20p above the minimum wage.
The union, which represents 150 staff working across five major museums on Merseyside, wants to enlist MPs and local councillors to help its campaign.
But a museum spokeswoman said pay was in line with government guidelines.
PCS negotiator Jayson Sloss said: "Due to a culture of low pay, National Museums Liverpool are in real danger of losing skilled and dedicated staff who ensure the city's culture and heritage are accessible to all."
Imposed pay
Mr Sloss said management had imposed low pay deals on staff.
"The Capital of Culture year should not be built on the back of poverty wages," he added.
Mr Sloss said some staff were expected to work anti-social hours for wages between �10,000 and �12,000.
National Museums Liverpool said unions would get a chance to open new negotiations when a three-year pay deal ended.
"Implemented in 2003, this new pay system was consistent with the government's overall approach to public sector pay," a spokeswoman said.
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