Staff at some of the country's top tourist attractions like London's Science Museum and the National Railway Museum in York are striking today in a dispute over pay.
The action involves workers from the Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services unions (PCS).
The PCS said their members, some of whose starting salaries were as low as 11,342 pounds, would receive less than 3 percent for both years.
Prospect said its "insulting" deal only set aside 1.5 per cent for a cost of living increase in 2007 with only performance-related pay increases for 2008.
"Members are furious and their patience has been exhausted," said Prospect National Secretary Emily Boase.
Workers, including curators, conservators, and explainers, are striking although the affected museums were expected to remain open.
However, the PCS said the strike action was expected to disrupt preparations for a royal visit to the National Railway Museum tomorrow.
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