Windsor Wardens Wages War

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22 April 2015 | Updated 01 January 1970

Wardens who work at Windsor Castle have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action over a dispute about low pay.

In a ballot of 76 of the wardens at Windsor Castle, 84% voted for action on a turnout of 82%.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) argues that ‘years’ of pay restraint has meant these workers start on £14,400 a year but they are now expected to carry out extra duties, including giving tours of the Windsor Castle without receiving additional pay – even though visitors are charged for these.

The wardens are employed by called the Royal Collection Trust, a charitable arm of the Royal Households and work at the castle entrance, around the grounds and inside the palace. Their duties include helping visitors and protecting artworks.

The PCS stated that it only ‘narrowly accepted an unsatisfactory pay offer last year on the understanding that additional allowances for paid-for tours and other skills would be considered this year’. Non-strike industrial action could start from the end of this month.

"These loyal workers are the public face of Windsor Castle and with this vote their message to their employer is loud and clear,” argued Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS. "Staff should be properly rewarded for their commitment to ensuring visitors from around the world can fully enjoy their time at the castle."

A Royal Collection Spokesperson refuted the claims made by PCS. “While the outcome of the ballot is disappointing, it will have no effect on services to visitors to the castle. Royal Collection Trust has since last year been exploring ways to achieve an agreed level of pay for all warden staff.”

The spokesperson went on to state that conversations that are part of the annual pay review process are still continuing and an offer to expand the salary scale for a warden, starting at the Regional Living Wage of £14,695 for new joiners (based upon an average 36 hour working week), had been put to the PCS and other unions.

Picture:   Wardens at Windsor Castle have voted overwhelmingly to opt for strike action after talks failed over what they considered to be low pay conditions continuing.

Article written by Mike Gannon | Published 22 April 2015

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