Around 300 workers at the British Library in London have gone on strike due to a dispute over pay, seeking an "inflation-proof pay rise" as stated by the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS).
The strike, taking place from 27 October to 9 November, may delay the opening of a major exhibition, Secret Maps, which runs until 18 January 2026 and showcases "the stories hidden in some of history’s most mysterious maps".
PCS members' key demand is for an "inflation-proof pay rise" as many employees are "forced to work second jobs and take out loans to pay their bills and meet housing costs".
The British Library has increased its pay rise from 2% to 2%, but the union is pushing for a more substantial increase to keep pace with inflation.
Author's summary: British Library staff strike over pay dispute, seeking inflation-proof rise.