Strike Action at the British Library Over Pay Dispute

Image credit: Snapshooter46 via Flickr

Between the 27th October and the 9th November 2025, more than 300 workers at the British Library London participated in strikes over a pay dispute, since 98% of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) voted in favour of industrial action. This is the second consecutive year that workers have not received a pay rise in line with inflation.

One member explained their motivations for striking, asking “Why should my family suffer because of the library’s inability to manage itself?”

A British Library spokesperson told the BBC that they are committed to being a “living wage foundation employer” and have offered a minimum consolidated increase of 2.4%, or £800. The PCS general secretary, Fran Heathcoate, stated that the workers are “livid at yet another insulting pay offer.” She added that many workers are struggling to pay their bills and have to work second jobs, in order to take out loans and meet their housing costs.

The PCS have three key demands: an inflation proof pay rise, restoration of 2024 pay shortfall, and alternative working patterns wages for security staff on reduced hours. They plan to picket outside Midland Road everyday between 8am-noon and have organised a number of rallies over this period too. On the 29th of October, the former Labour party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, joined the picket lines, and on the 6th of November, current Green party leader Zack Polanski went to show his support as well.

The British Library have stated that whilst the strikes are taking place their opening hours will remain unchanged, although certain services will be closed throughout the period, including certain reading rooms and, at specific times, the Secret Maps and Story Explores exhibition.