Strike by security staff closes National Gallery
The National Gallery was closed this lunchtime as security staff walked out in a dispute over pay.
The 11.30am tour was cancelled ahead of the strike at noon, which was scheduled to last two hours. Hundreds of visitors were ushered out of the gallery in Trafalgar Square as workers left their posts.
The action, in protest at a 2.5 per cent pay award, was organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union after 82 per cent of members voted in favour.
The union says staff are paid less than Boris Johnson's recommended London living wage, with most not earning £15,000 a year. It claims the wages are lower than any other museums and galleries in London.
General secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Staff are sick of having to take second jobs to earn a living wage."
