Glasgow museum staff start five day rolling strike
They are rowing with their bosses over plans to cut 38 jobs.
Workers in museums across Glasgow are starting the first of five rolling days of strike action to try to stop 38 staff roles being cut.
They're gathering on the picket line outside Kelvingrove Museum this morning before meeting with councillors on Thursday.
Brian Smith from UNISON told Clyde 1: “What people in the city enjoy and experience when they go into these museums at the minute could be at risk.
"We really want them to remain at the heart of Glasgow so visitors continue to worry them."
Curators, conservationists and backroom staff are going to protest outside the City Chambers on George Square on Thursday before meeting with council bosses.
Brian added: "Our members are taking a stand so they can continue to develop, display and promote community projects in Glasgow which visitors really enjoy.
"We have been campaigning for months and it has now come to the point where we need to take strike action just to save these roles."
A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow’s collections receive careful and considered care and this will continue.
“Glasgow Life’s annual service fee was cut by Glasgow City Council when the Council confirmed its 2023/24 budget in February.
"As a result, we must make £7.1 million worth of savings in this financial year.
“Senior museums officers have met with Unison and our other trade unions repeatedly this year to explain the financial context for Glasgow Life’s operating climate and to discuss the implications of the planned staffing reduction within Glasgow Life’s Museums service.
"To achieve a balanced budget, and without additional funding, our only option would be to take the savings agreed in museums from elsewhere in Glasgow Life."
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