STRIKE action by museum and gallery workers from National Museums Liverpool has ended after workers accepted a pay agreement.

After six months of industrial action, Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union members at National Museums Liverpool have voted to accept a deal.

The action impacted the Museum of Liverpool, the World Museum, the International Slavery Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Walker Gallery, Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.

More than 200 Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) members employed by National Museums Liverpool (NML) took action in protest at the non-payment of a cost-of-living bonus.

The union said NML was the only one of 200 government employers who had not paid an agreed £1,500 cost-of-living payment.

However, museum bosses told staff they were not civil servants so therefore not eligible for the payment and instead offered a one-off payment of £250, additional two days leave and free tea and coffee to be made available in all staff rooms.

The offer was rejected in April.

On Sunday, union members voted to accept an offer which included a one-off £1,200 cost-of-living payment, two extra days’ holiday a year and a 35% discount in museum cafes.

A spokesperson for National Museums Liverpool said: “We are pleased to confirm that industrial action at National Museums Liverpool has been concluded. NML made an offer which was supported by the PCS branch executive and accepted by the PCS membership this week."

Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool said: “We would like to thank our colleagues, visitors and members for their patience and support over the past few months. We all want our museums and galleries to be fully open and concluding this action means we can be sure that our visitors will be able to enjoy our core offer and experience some of the great new exhibitions we have on over the coming months.” 

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "After many months we are pleased to conclude this dispute, having secured a cost-of-living payment as well as tangible benefits which will have a long-term impact for our members."