Campaign win at the Postal Museum
Staff in one area of The Postal Museum were facing challenging working conditions due to the lack of a proper cooling system. The issue was seriously impactly staff wellbeing and overall quality of life at work.
Concerns were raised informally with managers during morning briefings, 1:1s, and walkarounds, and later more formally during departmental meetings. However, little to no effective change followed. Instead, responsibility was often redirected back to staff to come up with their own solutions, without any clear updates or tangible improvements from senior management.
As frustration grew and staff began to feel unheard, several members reached out to Prospect for advice and support. With their guidance, we launched a three week petition campaign to highlight how strongly staff felt about the issue and the need for urgent action.
Throughout the process, Prospect provided invaluable support—offering advice, facilitating idea generation, roleplaying potential scenarios, and sharing case studies from other museums facing similar challenges. Hearing about other branches’ successes was particularly encouraging. Some of our members had also attended Prospect’s Organising to Win training, which proved instrumental in developing practical organising skills and fostering solidarity across branches.
The petition quickly gained cross-departmental support, with members volunteering their time to raise awareness and encourage colleagues to stand together. Within the first week, senior management acknowledged the campaign and began prioritising our concerns. When the petition was formally delivered, management committed to reviewing and researching each request. This marked a real shift toward transparency and openness, including a willingness to explore alternative solutions.
As a result, significant improvements have been made to working conditions in the Welcome Space. Updates have included a revised rota pattern, additional fans, and a new water dispenser, all of which have already made a noticeable difference to comfort and morale. Beyond the practical changes, the campaign strengthened our sense of community and empowerment. It was a clear demonstration of the power of a collective voice.
We now receive regular updates and proactive communication from senior management, reflecting a more transparent and collaborative approach to workplace issues.
As a Prospect representative, my goal this year has been to increase the union’s visibility within The Postal Museum and to advocate for and support my colleagues. Although The Postal Museum is currently unrecognised, this campaign stands as proof of what motivated members can achieve through determination, organisation, and unity.
