British Queen's Staff Threaten Industrial Action Over Pay - Labour Union

LONDON (Sputnik) — The staff at the Queen Elizabeth's Windsor Castle residence may take the first industrial action ever, after workers vote over a pay dispute next month, the UK labour union said Monday.

According to the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), currently the staff at the royal residence is paid “below the widely-recognized living wage” with new recruits receiving 14,400 pounds ($21,300) a year. The employees are also required to carry out unpaid extra duties, such as giving guided tours and acting as interpreters or first aiders.

"These workers are loyal to their employer and absolutely committed to ensuring visitors are given the royal treatment. But it is scandalous that staff are so appallingly paid and expected to do work for free that brings in money for the royal family," Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS, told reporters.

As many as 120 out of 200 staff at Windsor Castle are due to be balloted between Tuesday, March 31 and April 14, while industrial action make come in late April.

Queen Elizabeth II usually spends weekends at Windsor Castle but also hosts state banquets there for a month over Easter, which this year falls in early April.