NATIONAL Gallery workers protesting at privatisation plans will launch a further seven days of strike action today, as managers continue to stall negotiations.

PCS union members will walk out today and tomorrow and then from next Tuesday March 24 to Saturday March 28.

The protest follows a pair of five-day strikes last month over bosses’ attempts to “outsource” security and visitor services staff to a private company.

Striking workers will today attend a conference called by the TUC’s southern and eastern region on the future of arts and culture in Britain, which will be addressed by victimised union rep Candy Udwin.

Attendees at the conference are expected to launch a flash mob protest to “show art some love.”

PCS culture sector president Clara Paillard said the National Gallery dispute “must be seen in the wider context of budget cuts in arts & culture.

“We are stepping up our campaign against the privatisation of the National Gallery as neither the director or the board of trustees seems to want to talk to us seriously,” she said.

“We believe privatisation is not necessary and PCS is open to genuine talks with the management.”

The union has presented alternative plans for reform to the gallery, but director Nicholas Penny has reportedly shot down the PCS plans as “offering nothing new.”

A gallery spokeswoman said the changes were “essential to enable us to deliver an enhanced service.”

On Thursday TUC Women’s Conference pledged “full support” to the cause and called for victimised union rep Candy Udwin to be reinstated.

The PCS-proposed emergency resolution also slammed the gallery for failing to pay staff the London living wage.