Attendant staff at National Gallery plan Thursday strike

Attendant staff at the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI) are planning a one-day strike this Thursday protesting over issues concerning annual leave.

Siptu members of the attendant staff, who are responsible for the management and maintenance of rooms at the gallery, have rejected the February 2014 Labour Court recommendation which applies to changes in staff leave and the loss of St Stephen's Day pay.

In February, the court announced there was “no justification” for the continuation of special day arrangements and recommended that management adjust leave arrangements for attendant staff.

The special day arrangements, implemented in 2007, made an extra three days of leave available to staff who worked late on certain shifts.

The court also recommended the removal of premium payments for workers on St Stephen’s Day. NGI management have since implemented these recommendations.

Siptu has reportedly advised the National Gallery that 28 staff members have voted in favour of the planned strike action. Gallery management say they are available for discussions with Siptu representatives in hopes that Thursday’s strike can be avoided.

Sean Rainbird, director of the National Gallery, apologised for any inconvenience the closure may cause visitors, calling Thursday’s planned strike action “regrettable”.