From PCS - http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/news_and_events/pcs_comment/pcs_comment.cfm/ro…
It would be the first such action specific to the Royal Households and comes after years of pay restraint have left loyal workers paid below the widely-recognised living wage, with new recruits starting on as little as £14,400 a year.
Despite this, the wardens are expected to carry out extra unpaid duties, including giving tours of the castle – even though visitors are charged for these – and acting as interpreters and first aiders.
As a consequence these PCS members, employed by The Royal Collection Trust, a charitable wing of the Royal Household, are angry that the goodwill they demonstrate to raise additional funding for the RH does not give them any financial recognition. The proposed action short of strike would involve the withdrawal of this goodwill severely affecting services provided to visitors.
An unsatisfactory pay offer for 2014 was only narrowly accepted by staff on the understanding that the additional allowances would be considered this year. But senior officials have again refused to reward staff for their goodwill and pay allowances for additional duties.
The ballot opens tomorrow (31 March) and closes on 14 April, with action planned to start from the end of the month.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "These workers are loyal to their employer and absolutely committed to ensuring visitors are given the royal treatment.
"It is scandalous that staff are so appallingly paid and expected to do work for free that brings in money for the royal family."
