15 April 2015

Members of the Royal household have backed industrial action for the first time.

Members of PCS were balloted in the dispute over low-pay. The union represents 120 staff at Windsor Castle and 76 were balloted. The turnout was 82 percent, with 84 percent voting for action short of a strike.

The staff are paid less than the living wage, with new recruits starting on as little as £14,400 a year.

The PCS general secretary, Mark Serwotka, 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.”

The union staff accepted a poor pay offer last year on the understanding that supplementary pay for paid-for tours and skills such as translating would be considered this year. The action short of a strike will include the withdrawal of goodwill.