City of London landmarks including Tower Bridge and the Old Bailey could be forced to close next Thursday (25 May), due to staff striking.
According to the GMB Union, more than 900 of its members employed by the City of London Corporation will take part in 24-hour strike action on 25 May.
The strikes are the result of a pay dispute. Back in April, GMB members turned down the City of London Corporation's 2022-23 pay offer, and 77% voted for strike action. It was the first time ever that City of London Corporation staff have voted to strike over pay, and followed demonstrations in November 2022.
Museums, gardens, parks and markets across the Square Mile and beyond — including Hampstead Heath, which is managed by the City of London Corporation — could be affected by staff shortages as a result of the strikes, meaning services could be reduced and venues closed for the day if the strikes go ahead.
Guildhall Art Gallery, the Monument, Postman's Park, St Dunstan in the East churchyard and Bunhill Burial Ground are just some of the locations which could be affected.
Meanwhile, train strikes are scheduled for Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June, as members of the ASLEF union protest what it calls a 'risible' offer of a 4% pay rise.