Windsor Castle wardens may refuse to give tours to paying visitors after voting for industrial action yesterday. The 76 uniformed staff will refuse to carry out extra duties such as giving tours to fee-paying visitors in a row over pay. The action could start from the end of the month and would have a “significant impact” on visitors, the Public and Commercial Services Union said.
The wardens – who are stationed at the entrance, in the grounds and inside the castle – have suffered years of pay restraint leaving them below the living wage of £7.85 an hour or £9.15 in London. A pay deal was agreed last year on the understanding they would get additional allowances this year for the extra services they have been providing out of “good will”.
But the wardens, employed by the Royal Collection Trust, say their quarrel is with their employers and not with the Queen.
One told the Mirror: “We’re all very loyal to the Queen and the royal family. We wouldn’t work here if we weren’t.
“We feel part of England’s heritage. Our gripe is with the managers who run the castle in their name and keep us on such low pay it’s almost impossible to have any decent standard of living.That’s why we’re taking action.”
The wardens voted 84% in favour of action short of a strike, which could start from the end of April.
The union claimed the action would have a “significant impact” on visitors.
The trust denied it would cause problems at the start of the summer season, but one union official said long queues could build up as the work-to-rule affects the airport-style security at the main gates.
The union official, who did not want to be named, said: “Ma’am might not be so amused when she sees her subjects and tourists clamouring to get in.”
Wardens start on as little as £14,400 a year and are expected to carry out extra unpaid duties including giving tours and acting as language interpreters and first aiders.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “These loyal workers are the public face of Windsor Castle and with this vote their message to their employer is loud and clear.
“Staff should be properly rewarded for their commitment to ensuring visitors from around the world can fully enjoy their time at the castle.”
Windsor is the oldest occupied castle in the world, as well as the largest, and attracts more than one million visitors every year who spend more than £17m, which is used for the upkeep of royal palaces.
Visitors can see the magnificent state apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection and St George’s Chapel, considered one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial plce of ten monarchs.
Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the dispute as the wardens are not employees of the Royal Household, which includes footmen and butlers working directly for the Royal family.
The wardens are employed by the Royal Collection Trust, which said in a statement that staff volunteered for additional duties and added:”We don’t anticipate any interruption to the running of tours for visitors to the Castle.
Wardens at Windsor Castle are paid above market median based upon the Regional Living Wage and receive a range of benefits, including a 15% non-contributory pension and a free lunch.
Source: Mirror UK
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