Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum workers are being balloted for strike action amid claims that staff are being put at risk during hot weather, with union members raising concerns over access to drinking water and the museum’s response to heatwaves. The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union says health and safety has become a major issue across the V&A’s London sites, particularly during periods of high temperatures. At the recently opened V&A East Storehouse in Hackney, the union claims staff are not permitted to carry or drink water while working, regardless of the temperature. Alongside the health and safety concerns, PCS members are also seeking improvements to pay and conditions. The industrial action ballot covers PCS members working at the V&A’s South Kensington museum, V&A East Storehouse, V&A East Museum and Young V&A.