The Queen's staff are revolting

The Queen faces industrial action by members of the Royal Household for the first time after staff at Windsor Castle voted to work to rule.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union voted by 84 per cent in favour of action short of a strike, which could start from the end of this month. The PCS said wardens at the castle carried out extra duties without pay, such as giving tours to fee-paying visitors.

The 76 wardens involved in the dispute are employed by the Royal Collection Trust, working at the castle entrance, around the grounds and inside the palace. The PCS general secretary, Mark Serwotka, said: “These loyal workers are the public face of Windsor Castle and with this vote their message to their employer is loud and clear. Staff should be properly rewarded for their commitment to ensuring visitors from around the world can fully enjoy their time at the castle.”

A spokesman for the Royal Collection Trust said some PCS-affiliated wardens would no longer participate in various activities “including using their language and first-aid skills, and conducting tours of specific areas of the castle during August and September.”

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