Charity Commission to investigate “governance and management” at Wakefield's mining museum
40 staff members at the museum have been on strike since last year
The Charity Commission has launched a review of “governance and management” at the National Coal Mining Museum.
The regulator has confirmed it is carrying out an assessment into the running of the tourist attraction in Wakefield, where around 40 staff members are on strike over a pay dispute.
Jon Trickett, MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he had asked the commission to investigate whether the museum was “fulfilling its charitable purpose.”
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “Concerns have been raised with us relating to an ongoing pay dispute at the National Coal Mining Museum.
“The commission does not have a role in matters of pay or employment disputes, but we are currently assessing wider information about the charity’s governance and management and we will be engaging with the trustees to determine any next steps.”
In response, a statement from the mining museum said: “We remain fully committed to openness throughout this period of industrial action.
“The museum has engaged fully and constructively with the Charity Commission to ensure they have accurate and comprehensive information regarding our governance and the steps taken in relation to the recent pay discussions.”
Mr Trickett, who has campaigned to end the dispute and attended a demonstration in support of workers in December, said: “The Charity Commission is conducting a review into the National Coal Mining Museum, looking at whether they are fulfilling its charitable purpose.
“My office requested the commission look into this issue and I am pleased they are doing so. I await their findings.”
Members of Unison at the museum walked out on August 20 last year calling for higher pay, and have been on strike ever since.
Workers voted to extend the strike until June 26 on Friday (January 9).
A ballot, with an 86% turnout, found 92% of unionised staff were in favour of extending industrial action for a third time.
Rianne Hooley, Yorkshire regional organiser for Unison, said: “The vote by staff to extend the strike is a clear demonstration that they are committed not only to securing a fair wage, but also to protecting the history of coal mining going forward.
“The news that the Charity Commission is investigating the conduct of the museum is further evidence of the seriousness of this situation.
“It is vital that all parties work together to find a resolution as soon as possible to protect the museum.
“It is of national significance and I would urge managers of the museum to get back round the table.”
The museum previously said it was “saddened” by Unison’s decision to announce the strike extension last week.
A spokesperson said: “Throughout the entirety of the industrial action, the charity has consistently engaged in constructive negotiations and dialogue with the aim of resolving the situation quickly.
“The charity has continued to compromise and has presented several offers aimed at reaching a fair and sustainable agreement for both staff and the organisation.
“Unfortunately, each of these offers has been rejected by Unison.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively through ACAS to find a positive way forward and hope this offer will be agreed.
“The charity remains committed to recognising expertise, rewarding the valuable contributions of all team members, and making decisions guided by fairness and affordability.”