GMB union members at the Brighton Pavilion and Museums Trust are due to strike on Saturday in protest against proposed cuts to their terms and conditions.
Under previous contracts, workers had the same contract terms as council workers, including access to pay rises, the Local Government Pension Scheme and benefits such as holiday allowance, parental leave and sick pay.
GMB said the new contracts would threaten these benefits.
A museum spokesman said its priority is to minimise disruption to visitors.
It said its current aim is to keep its two main attractions open on Saturday – Royal Pavilion and Preston Manor – with closures at Hove and Brighton Museum.
Museum bosses asked that all visitors check its website for confirmation on Saturday.
It said all attractions apart from the Booth Museum which is closed until the autumn will be open as normal on Sunday, April 5.
“We are currently assessing whether all museum sites can remain open as planned. We will provide updates via our website so visitors can plan ahead,” the spokesman said.
“If closures are necessary, this is expected to result in a loss of vital income for the trust during one of our busiest periods, which further underlines the financial challenges we are working to address.
“This action follows a period of consultation and ongoing discussions with staff, GMB and Unison representatives regarding proposed changes to terms and conditions.
“These proposals have been driven by significant financial pressures facing the Trust, including reduced public funding, rising costs and visitor income that has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“Our aim throughout has been to protect jobs, keep all museum sites open and safeguard Brighton and Hove’s historic buildings and collections for the future. The proposals are intended to be a proportionate response to these challenges, and we are focused on avoiding more serious measures in the future.”
The trust said it is “committed” to continuing dialogue with union representatives and hope a resolution can still be reached.
Hedley Swain, chief executive at Brighton and Hove Museums said: “We are very sorry for any disruption caused to visitors, particularly over the Easter weekend.
This is not a situation we wanted to reach. The reality is that the financial pressures we face are significant and we need to take responsible steps to protect jobs and keep our museums open long-term. We remain committed to working with staff and union representatives to find a way forward.”
Catherine Mathews, GMB regional organiser said staff had set up a food bank to help colleagues.
“We know what the Pavilion means to the people of Brighton and we are determined that it is looked after in the best way possible for future generations to enjoy,” she said.
“That’s why the passionate, knowledgeable staff there need to be protected from swingeing cuts to their employment rights so they don’t need to find jobs elsewhere.
“Even before these contractual changes, the staff have among themselves set up a food bank to help those among them to help keep their heads above water.
“Our members voted in serious numbers to take action if the Trust do not back down – it may seem like a joke, but our members are no April Fools.”
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