WORKERS at the National Railway Museum have agreed to strike in protest over pay.

The news comes as lecturers and support staff at York College held a protest, also over pay and conditions.

Workers at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York and the National Museum Of Photography, Film And Television in Bradford - as well as the Science Museums in London and Swindon - backed strikes by more than two to one.

The Public And Commercial Services Union said staff were "furious" that a pay rise of three per cent had been imposed for the next two years.

A spokeswoman for the NRM said: "We are very disappointed that negotiations have broken down despite our very best efforts and flexibility on pensions and performance related pay.

"Our pay awards compare very favourably with the levels in the wider public sector. We benchmark our pay rates and we know that staff are paid competitively.

"We very much hope that no one will actually strike, but if they do the museums will remain open to the public."

About 50 members of the University and College Union (UCU) and Unison yesterday made placards and took their full lunch hour to highlight the fact that the only lunch break they normally got was taken on the hoof and was punctuated by having to deal with management and students.

They also believe the 2.5 per cent pay increase they have been offered is derisory.

A spokeswoman for York College confirmed that a peaceful protest had taken place and that it was to raise awareness of national pay negotiations.