A long-running strike at the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield is set to continue into the summer after workers voted to extend the walkout.
More than 40 workers walked out in mid-August in a dispute over pay, and have been on strike ever since.
The strike was due to run until the end of January and has already been extended three times. Workers have now been reballoted, and have voted overwhelmingly to extend the action until the end of June.
UNISON says staff have been left with no option other than to continue the walkout due to the behaviour of museum chief executive Lynn Dunning, who has failed to return to negotiations with an acceptable offer.
The union believes this demonstrates a lack of leadership at the helm of the popular attraction, which showcases the UK’s industrial heritage. The board of trustees’ reluctance to intervene and reopen talks further demonstrates this.
Since staff walked out last summer, senior managers at the museum have put forward just one revised pay offer. For many members of staff, the terms were worse than a proposal rejected before the strike action began.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Rianne Hooley said: “The decision to extend this strike is a clear signal that staff are committed to securing a fair wage and protecting this important link to the history of coal mining.
“These workers won’t be able to provide underground tours and tell their stories forever.
“They’re determined to ensure a pay structure is put in place that will attract others to continue telling the story of coal mining when they’re no longer able.
“It’s vital the museum produces an acceptable offer so these workers can get back to doing what they do so well.”
Notes:
– The reballot closed today (9 January 2026). In the vote, 92.1% of staff backed strike action. The turnout was 86.4%.
– The walkout will now run until Friday 26 June 2026.
– The strike began on 20 August 2025 and has previously been extended three times.
– The most recent pay offer from the museum included a £1 an hour rise for ‘craftspeople’ (which the museum defines as fitters and electricians) and 5% for other staff. For many of the workers, this would work out lower than the 80p an hour increase previously suggested.
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