Tate workers face in-work poverty, mental and physical health issues, union says-as strikes expected across UK

"Workers at Tate galleries across the country are living in in-work poverty and experiencing anxiety regarding the future of their positions, a Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) source has told The Art Newspaper. The comments follow yesterday's announcement that more than 150 Tate workers will walk out later this month in a dispute over pay and terms and conditions. Action is set to take place from 26 November to 2 December, with PCS members demanding an above-inflation pay award and the return of staff benefits, including a staff canteen and subsidised meals."

"The source said: "In a [PCS] survey of members in July 2025... workers complained about low morale, increasing workload and the loss of training opportunities at the Tate... members highlighted experiencing a range of mental and physical health issues, anxieties about their future at the Tate and lack of disposable income." Workers at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives have been offered a salary increase of between 2% and 3% by the gallery. However, amid the cost of living crisis and what PCS has described as "endemic low pay" the offer has been rejected."

""Tate has made careful savings this year in order to invest in staff pay and still achieve a balanced budget. This includes a 3% salary increase for most roles-including all employees on the lowest three pay bands-while directors are taking a 0% increase to help balance the overall costs. "Two of the three unions at Tate have accepted this offer. It is only by creating and maintaining a sustainable financial model that we can continue to invest in our staff in the long term.""

Workers at Tate galleries are experiencing in-work poverty, low morale, increasing workloads, and anxiety about job security. Over 150 Tate employees will strike from 26 November to 2 December, demanding an above-inflation pay award and the return of staff benefits such as a canteen and subsidised meals. A PCS survey in July 2025 recorded loss of training opportunities and a range of mental and physical health issues linked to financial strain. The gallery offered 2–3% salary increases, which PCS rejected; Tate reports a 3% increase for most roles and says two of three unions accepted the offer. Recent restructures cut around 40 roles and are cited as causes of reduced morale.

Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events