STAFF at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) have voted for their first ever strike in the charity’s 270-year history.

Workers will down tools on September 19 and 21 — the latter when the RSA hosts its patron Princess Anne for its student design awards centenary awards ceremony.

One said most are “united in our disappointment with management’s paltry pay offer and their cynical approach to negotiations.”

The IWGB union said that an overwhelming 93.33 per cent of its members backed the action, with a turnout of 78.95 per cent.

It is demanding a below-inflation flat pay rise of £2,800 for all staff members but said the RSA has refused to move from its initial offer of £1,000 for all staff, averaging at a 2.5 per cent increase across the board.

The action marks the latest in a series of third sector strikes to hit high-profile charities this year, including an indefinite strike that recently concluded at homeless charity St Mungo’s.

IWGB president Alex Marshall said: “Throughout the union recognition process and now pay negotiations, RSA chief executive Andy Haldane and his team have cynically attempted to undermine democracy, sow division and impose a meagre raise during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Meanwhile senior management not only enjoy bumper salaries but are also sat on reserves of £32 million.

“The result of the ballot reflects workers’ resolve to win the pay rise they deserve and they will not give up until they have won it.”

The academy has denied reports that it has increased executive pay by 170 per cent to £976,000 over the past year.

A RSA source claimed no members of its leadership team have received a pay rise in the past two years, and the rise reflects additions to the board.

The RSA has been contacted for comment.