LONDON — Workers at one of Queen Elizabeth II's residences will stop giving guided tours this summer as part of job action in a pay dispute, union leaders announced Wednesday.
Employees at Windsor Castle voted by 84 percent in favor of action, according to the Public and Commercial Services Union which represents 120 of the castle's 200 staff.
It said the action would be the first in history to target the U.K.'s royal household.
Employed by a charity called the Royal Collection Trust, the staff work at the castle entrance and around the grounds.
The PCS said wardens have been asked to carry out extra duties for no additional pay, such as giving guided tours and acting as interpreters where needed.
“They only narrowly accepted an unsatisfactory pay offer last year on the understanding that additional allowances for paid-for tours and other skills would be considered this year,” the union said.
In a statement, the Royal Collection Trust said: “Following the union ballot, we have been informed that some PCS-affiliated wardens at Windsor Castle will no longer participate in various activities undertaken during their working day, including using their language and first-aid skills, and conducting tours of specific areas of the castle during August and September.
“These activities have never been compulsory. It has always been the choice of the individual as to whether they take part. While the outcome of the ballot is disappointing, it will have no effect on services to visitors to the castle.”
It also said annual pay discussions were “still ongoing.”
IN-DEPTH
- Alastair Jamieson
