FRENCH union activists have swung behind a victimised National Gallery workers’ rep as her comrades ramp up the preparation for a second five-day strike.

Workers are fighting back against gallery bosses’ claim that the only way to extend opening hours is hive out all security and visitor service roles to private contractors.

And on the eve of the first five-day walkout PCS union rep Candy Udwin was suspended for “breaching gallery confidentiality” — charges than union leader Mark Serwotka branded “trumped-up.”

On Wednesday members of French union centre CGT posed outside the Eiffel Tower, while union leader Philippe Martinez showed his colours on a recent demo.

CGT’s show of solidarity follows support from artist “Bob and Roberta Smith,” said Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee, and a number of MPs who signed an early day motion calling for Ms Udwin’s reinstatement.

Guards from private security firm CIS were drafted in to staff the recent Rembrandt exhibition, drifting into the permanent gallery after the exhibit closed last month to work next to regular staff.

Gallery director Nicholas Penny said privatisation was required “to enable the National Gallery to increase income in the face of a reduced grant and increasing maintenance and running costs.”

“There is no option that allows everything to stay the same,” he told the BBC.

But PCS revealed yesterday that it had drawn up its own plans to extend gallery opening hours that blow bosses’ privatisation proposals out of the water.

The union promised to present plans to management negotiators during talks at conciliation service Acas — but PCS will not attend until Ms Udwin is reinstated.

PCS culture sector president Clara Paillard told the Star: “We actually believe that we can open the gallery later as long as the right terms and conditions are guaranteed for workers.

“Management haven’t got a clue how to expand the opening hours.

“They have to rely on a private company because they’re incompetent.”