The body responsible for managing a major urban landmark has voiced frustration about strike action that could result in closures this weekend.
Workers backed by the GMB union at the Brighton Pavilion and Museums Trust plan to strike on Saturday in protest against proposed alterations to their working conditions.
Union officials say management gave staff until April 1 to accept revised employment terms.
Previously, employees enjoyed the same benefits as local authority workers, including pay rises, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, and provisions for annual leave, maternity and paternity entitlements, and sick pay.
The union cautioned that the proposed new terms would jeopardise these safeguards.
A representative for the museums indicated the organisation is striving to minimise disruption for visitors.
The aim is to keep two main sites open on Saturday – Royal Pavilion and Preston Manor – while closing the Hove venue and Brighton Museum.
Managers advised all visitors to check current opening hours via their website.
All sites except the Booth Museum, which remains closed until autumn, will be fully operational on Sunday April 5.
The spokesperson remarked that assessments are underway regarding whether all locations can remain open during their usual hours, with any updates to be posted on their website to help visitors plan their trips.
Any forced closures would result in missing essential income during one of the busiest periods, underscoring the financial challenges confronting the organisation.
The action comes after consultations and ongoing discussions with staff, GMB and Unison representatives about proposed changes to employment conditions.
These proposals stem from considerable financial pressures on the Trust, including reduced central government grants, rising costs, and visitor income that has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The priority throughout has been to protect jobs, keep all museum sites running, and preserve Brighton’s and Hove’s heritage buildings and collections for coming generations. The proposals represent a measured approach to these challenges, with efforts focused on avoiding more drastic measures later.
The Trust stated it remains committed to continuing dialogue with union officials and is hopeful a resolution can still be reached.
Hedley Swain, chief executive at Brighton and Hove Museums, said any disruption caused to visitors was deeply regrettable, particularly over the Easter holidays.
This was not a situation anyone wanted. The financial pressures facing the organisation are considerable and responsible steps must be taken to protect jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of the museums. The Trust remains committed to working with staff and union representatives to reach a solution.
Catherine Mathews, GMB regional organiser, noted that workers have set up a food bank to support colleagues in need.
The importance of the Pavilion to Brighton residents is well understood, and the union is determined it receives appropriate care so that future generations can enjoy it. This is why the dedicated, skilled workforce there must be protected from severe cuts to their employment rights so they are not compelled to look for work elsewhere.
Before these contract changes, staff had already established a food bank to help those finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Union members voted by a large majority to take action if the Trust does not reverse its position – it might seem amusing, but the members are certainly not April Fools.