Brighton Pavilion facing Easter Weekend closure

GMB union members at the Brighton Pavilion and Museums Trust will take strike action on Saturday 4 April in protest over proposed cuts to their terms and conditions.

Trust management have previously written to staff ordering them to sign new contracts on inferior terms before today.

Proposed changes will pull the workers out of the NJC bargaining group, putting under threat their access to agreed pay rises, sick and holiday pay and potentially more.

Union members voted in favour of taking action in a recent ballot, the mandate for which remains active for a year or until the dispute is settled.

Catherine Mathews, GMB Regional Organiser said:

"We know what the Pavilion means to the people of Brighton and we are determined that it is looked after in the best way possible for future generations to enjoy.

"That's why the passionate, knowledgeable staff there need to be protected from swingeing cuts to their employment rights so they don't need to find jobs elsewhere.

"Even before these contractual changes, the staff have among themselves set up a food bank to help those among them to help keep their heads above water.

"Our members voted in serious numbers to take action if the Trust do not back down - it may seem like a joke, but our members are no April Fools."