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Strike action at the British Library

EDM (Early Day Motion) 2109: tabled on 22 October 2025

Tabled in the 2024-26 session.

This motion has been signed by 22 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

Motion text

That this House stands in solidarity with members of the Public and Commercial Services Union employed at the British Library who have voted by a massive 98.23% to take strike action after receiving a second consecutive below-inflation pay offer; notes that during a cost of living crisis and with inflation running at over 4% by the measure of the Retail Price Index, the offer of 2.4% represents a real terms cut to the pay of hard working members; further notes that members are angry at pay inequalities within the organisation, as senior executives are paid up to £170,000 per annum with some in receipt of five-figure bonuses; observes that the frustration of Library users over service disruption following the cyber-attack impacting the Library has resulted in a marked increase in workplace harassment; and therefore calls on British Library management to return to the negotiating table and bring forward an improved pay offer and action plan to tackle a situation where staff are feeling undervalued, overworked and under financial strain.

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.

There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.