British Library strike over pay as workers plan walkout
More than 300 workers at British Library are set to strike from 27 October to 9 November in a dispute over pay. The walkout comes after members of the Public and Commercial Services Union voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.
The union said its members faced a second consecutive year of a below-inflation pay rise.
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‘Workers are livid’
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said the near-unanimous vote reflected “the strength of feeling” among staff.
“They are livid at yet another insulting pay offer that does little to alleviate the health problems that many suffer from because of low pay,” she said. “Nor does it come close to ending the need for many to work second jobs and take out loans to pay their bills and meet their housing costs.”
Library response
A spokesperson for the British Library said it remained committed to being a Living Wage Foundation employer. They confirmed the organisation had made a formal pay offer of 3% for 2025/26, weighted to benefit staff on lower pay bands.
“All staff would receive a minimum of a consolidated increase of 2.4% or £800, whichever is the higher,” the spokesperson added.
The Library also confirmed that a senior management restructure is under way, though details remain confidential while consultations with affected staff take place.
Wider dispute
The PCS said the strike is part of a broader industrial dispute across the cultural sector. More than 100 members working at Tate Galleries are currently being balloted for potential strike action in a separate pay row.
Industrial action at national cultural institutions has increased over the past year as workers call for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living. Further details about the Living Wage Foundation can be found at livingwage.org.uk
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