PARLIAMENT will today hear of victimisation and management aggression at one of Britain’s most treasured cultural institutions, as the fight against privatisation at the National Gallery hots up.

Workers at the gallery have downed tools in their latest protest against plans to outsource security and visitor services staff to a private contractor.

This 10-day action will bring their tally of strike days this year to a whopping 45.

At an adjournment debate secured by Labour MP John McDonnell this afternoon, MPs will warn that staff expertise could be lost forever if stewarding at the gallery is seen as just another security job.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “MPs will be pointing out this privatisation plan is not only unnecessary but risks damaging the gallery’s well-earned reputation as one of the country’s greatest cultural institutions.

“This dispute and the sacking of our representative will be the first things across [new director] Gabriele Finaldi’s desk when he takes over, so we have asked to meet urgently to discuss how we can resolve the issues.”

Workers at the Trafalgar Square landmark have reported surveillance of pickets and have been banned from speaking to the press.

Earlier this month an employment tribunal judge ruled union rep Candy Udwin was likely to have been sacked for her union activities.

The judge ruled Ms Udwin, whom the gallery has refused to reinstate, should receive full pay until her full tribunal hearing in October.

Reps have requested an urgent meeting with Mr Finaldi before he takes over in August.