THE long-running dispute over weekend payments between National Museum Wales and Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) members could soon come to an end following discussions between both parties.

Industrial action at sites all over Wales has led to widespread closures at museums, including Blaenavon’s Big Pit, which has shut its door since Thursday, April 28.

On Wednesday night, the two opposing sides issued a joint statement with the latest development in the saga, which suggests an element of promise.

“National Museum Wales has presented the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) with a significantly enhanced offer, in an attempt to end the dispute over proposed changes to weekend working allowances (premium payments),” said a spokeswoman for National Museum Wales.

“This proposal was the subject of negotiations between both parties on Wednesday, June 8.”

“Both parties are now considering their positions further and more details will follow,” she added.

The dispute, which started two years ago, with National Museum Wales is over proposed changes to weekend working allowances, also known as premium payments.

Museum staff from Big Pit have spoken of their eagerness to return to work, and were hopeful of a swift return to a job which they love.

Peter Harding, the PCS representative for Big Pit, has worked at the museum as a tour guide for 11 years, labelling it as the ‘best job in the world’.

He said: “Obviously a lot of us are ex-miners who were involved in the dispute in the 84-85 strike. The thing is, the majority of people up here, should not be in this sort of situation.

“This museum houses a massive part of Welsh culture. I took the deputy minister of culture, tourism and sport (then Ken Skates) down the pit last year and he was absolutely amazed. It was his first visit to Big Pit and he was astounded by what he saw."

“He said that every child in Wales should be brought here to connect with their past, history and culture of mining,” added Mr Harding.

During the strikes involving PCS union members in National Musuem Wales sites, Cardiff, Swansea, Llanberis and Drefach museums have suffered as a result of the industrial action.