The following details have been supplied by the PCS HQ:
PCS activists have stepped up opposition to the cuts in the culture sector by organising a national campaign highlighting the vital role of museums, libraries and historic sites in our communities.
The union has nearly 5,000 members working in the culture, media and sport sector, representing staff at the Department for Culture Media and Sport and essential workers in some of the country’s most renowned institutions, as well the wider heritage and tourism sector.
The Tory-led government’s cuts, which have seen funding slashed by 30% to English Heritage, could lead to the loss of jobs and important regional heritage sites. A 10-15% cut has been announced across the DCMS-funded museums and galleries with many workplaces already hit.
The British Library is shedding 215 staff with more than 80 staff going in the first year. Reading rooms in St Pancras are already being closed because the number of security officers has been reduced.
The British Museum has already limited late night opening and we are concerned that galleries will be closed. Sport England’s budget has been slashed by 32%. A number of regional offices will close and the organisation will be merged with UK Sport.
The National Museum of Science and Industry, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum are moving to outsource security to a single private contractor, affecting more than 150 PCS members.
DCMS is cutting staff by 50% after the London Olympics with 70 staff going by March. Staff are demoralised and concerned about how the department will function given its responsibility for the royal wedding, 2012 Olympics and Diamond Jubilee.
Organising with other unions
Heritage tourism contributes £20.6 billion to GDP a year, with PCS members playing a pivotal role in delivering this world class service and it is economic nonsense to cut the sector.
The ‘save our cultural assets’ campaign is engaging PCS members and other unions in the widest possible campaign against austerity measures. Arts Council cuts will have a huge impact on local theatres and museums. Workers may be unionised with BECTU, the Musicians’ Union, Equity or Unison and we need to campaign alongside them to save our culture.
The campaign has received strong support, with hundreds of people signing the petition. A leaflet has been published which is being sent to all branches. February sees the launch of the ‘love public services’ campaign, which will provide an opportunity to raise the issue of ‘loving our cultural assets‘. The Royal Wedding in April may provide opportunities to get our message across to the public as there will be an upsurge in tourism.
How to get involved
Encourage your colleagues, friends and families to sign the petition, lobby their local MP, assembly members and councillors.
