Brighton Pay Disputes Continue at Pavilion, Universities

Picketing took place outside the Royal Pavilion in April as workers protested proposed cuts to pay and conditions, while a separate pay dispute at the University of Brighton remained ongoing after planned strike action was called off.

UNISON members at the university had originally planned strike action for 14–16 April after staff rejected a 1.4% pay rise awarded in August 2025, which was well below inflation. The university had budgeted for a 3% increase, leaving around £900,000 that could be used to improve pay. Although the planned action did not go ahead, the dispute over pay remains unresolved.

UNISON members at the Royal Pavilion Museum’s Trust have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over proposed changes to pay, with around 90% backing industrial action in the balot. The pressure from workers and unions has prompted a revised offer from the employer, which is currently under consideration, and joint strike action remains possible if an acceptable settlement cannot be reached.

On 15th April, GMB members at RPMT picketed outside the Royal Pavilion in opposition to proposals to reduce pay and conditions. The Royal Pavilion trust had previously agreed to maintain the same terms as council workers when responsibility for the site transferred from the council. Those arrangements included pay awards, pensions, holiday entitlement, parental leave and sick pay, with the council providing additional funding to support the agreement. The trust’s proposed savings would come directly at workers’ expense.

After a further picket on the 3rd June, workers cut short the strike to consider a revised offer made by the trust, after a single day of action.

UNISON members joined the picket line in support and declined to cover the work of striking GMB members.