Staff at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) newest site in east London have voted overwhelmingly to strike over disputes concerning break times, specifically related to toilet and hydration access. The site, known as V&A East Storehouse, which opened in May 2025, will join other V&A locations in London where staff recently voted for strike action tied to broader issues including pay, working conditions, and the museum’s refusal to pursue London living wage accreditation.

The union Prospect, representing collections access officers at V&A East Storehouse, said the workers were not being allowed sufficient time during their shifts for basic welfare needs such as restroom use and hydration. These officers play a key role in facilitating the “order an object” service, enabling public access to the museum’s extensive collections. Prospect has called for two paid breaks daily, arguing this is a reasonable request aligned with customary practices provided to staff at other V&A sites.

According to Prospect, many employees at the Storehouse were recruited from the local community, a fact the V&A has publicly highlighted. Nonetheless, the union contended these workers are treated less favorably than colleagues elsewhere within the organization. Union members described enduring long hours on their feet with minimal breaks and noted logistical challenges posed by the design of the Storehouse. One member noted that the building’s layout requires significant travel to access restrooms and that staff have faced dehydration and, at times, go the entire day without toilet breaks.

Another member commented on daily incidents of dehydration causing headaches among colleagues. They explained that workers are unable to leave collection trolleys unattended, requiring relief from a colleague during breaks—a provision they say management has not adequately provided. The union also emphasized the diversity of the Storehouse team and its connection to the east London community, asserting that employee welfare is currently being overlooked.

The strike vote at V&A East Storehouse saw full support from staff who participated, with nearly 88% turnout and 100% in favor of strike action. Additionally, 92% endorsed action short of a strike. Across all V&A sites, 83% of staff voted in favor of strike action on an 82% turnout, with 95% backing lesser forms of industrial action. The timing of any strike has not yet been announced.

Prospect’s general secretary, Mike Clancy, criticized the museum’s treatment of its workers, noting the contradiction between the V&A’s global heritage status and the reported poor working conditions. Clancy compared the staff’s experience to practices found in companies like Amazon and described it as a “shocking lack of respect” for employees.

In response to previous industrial action ballots, the V&A stated it provides all staff with access to water, toilet facilities, and regular breaks, highlighting additional measures taken during recent heatwaves, such as extra rest intervals and staff rotations aimed at protecting worker welfare. The museum did not issue a direct comment on the most recent strike vote.