Staff
at the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) may take industrial action after
managers failed to make a new pay offer.
The
staff, members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), will be
balloted over a strike and overtime ban which could see the galleries close on
Sundays.
The
Scottish Executive blocked a pay offer by NGS management as it was deemed to be
in breech of its public sector pay policy. However, the 120 PCS members said
the pay claim was in line with the executive’s pay deal won in 2000.
PCS
negotiating officer Albie O’Neill said: "They cannot justify this when the
lowest paid staff within the Scottish Executive currently earn at least £1,000
per annum more than their NGS colleagues.
"The
staff responsible for the safety of the public visiting the galleries and the
security of priceless works of art are paid little more than the minimum
wage."
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