National Gallery dispute update

A message from the PCS Culture Sector President:

Dear Supporters,

The National Gallery has now appointed the private company Securitas to run their security and visitor services but the PCS campaign to stop privatisation continues with staff going on a all-out strike from today (11 August 2015).

APPEAL FOR URGENT SUPPORT FOR THE ALL-OUT STRIKE ACTION
The National Gallery have decided to bring forward the date to sign the contract with Securitas before the new director takes up office so we have brought forward the date of our all out strike which is now starting on 11 August. PCS members are intent on continuing to fight against the privatisation plans and to demand guarantees about their future. Please join our events:

ALL OUT STRIKE FROM TUESDAY 11 AUGUST
Picket line every day 9-11am plus Friday 5-6.30pm

SOLIDARITY SOCIAL FRIDAY 15 AUGUST 6.30pm
Silver Cross Pub, Whitehall, London

PICK A DAY- PICK A PAINTING!
We are inviting trade unions or campaigns to adopt a day of strike action during August. If you cannot come to the picket line please show your support in other ways. Strikers will help adapt a suitable painting from the National Gallery collection to help publicise your solidarity. See the choices different campaigns and unions have chosen here:

• Wed 12 August 2.30-3.30pm: Equity

• Thurs 13 August 9-10am: London Universities and college unions (Unison and UCU)

• Fri 14 August 5-6.30pm: PCS London DWP

• Fri 14 August 5-6.30pm: Disabled People Against Cuts

• Sat 15 August 9-11am: London council workers (Unison)

URGENT REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL HELP
Thank you so much for your support so far. We are still appealing for help to raise sufficient funds to ensure that National Gallery strikers can afford to keep fighting.

A collection sheet can be downloaded if you want to organise a fundraiser or you can donate via PayPal. There are more ways to donate on our blog.

THE FUTURE OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Our campaign is part of a bigger fight to preserve access to art & culture as a public service. Other museum workers are also fighting the impact of budget cuts across the country. Please sign their petitions in solidarity:

• Tate privatised workers on zero hours contracts fighting for decent pay

• Welsh Museums workers striking to stop a pay cut up to £3,000.

All the best,

Clara Paillard
Culture Sector President

Tell your MEP: vote against TTIP this week

The TTIP vote that got delayed a few weeks ago might finally happen. MEPs across Europe will recommend the parts of the deal they do and don’t like.

The good news first: thanks to people power, a huge majority of our UK MEPs are now against one of the worst parts of TTIP. That’s the part that would allow corporations to sue the government if they don’t like our laws. Let’s make sure they follow through by voting the worst parts of TTIP out. Petition here.