With around 200 jobs feared to be at risk, over 100 Tate employees could go on strike from the week commencing 17th August.
Tate Enterprises, which runs retail, catering and publishing services across Tate’s London, Liverpool and St Ives sites, informed staff in June that restructuring plans were being considered as part of an effort to save £1 million this financial year.
Despite the organisation being set to receive around £7m from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, concerned employees believe job cuts may still be imminent.
“Tate management need to recognise the strength of feeling amongst staff who face the prospect of unemployment. It cannot be right that the Tate receives millions of pounds in support, only to try to cut more than 200 jobs,” says PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka.
The overwhelming vote in favour of strike action “shows the determination of our members to see jobs saved at the Tate”, he adds. “The union will support members all the way to get a just settlement, no matter how long it takes.”
The turnout for the ballot was 79.3%, with a ‘yes’ vote garnering 88.6% support. The union and its members now await response from Tate regarding its restructuring plans.
