Museum staff say they feel they are being exploited

Union members claim a pay offer by museum managers was refused as it was below the rate of inflation, but bosses claim the deal was "reasonable".

Three one-day strikes have already been staged but union representatives claim management are still refusing to find a way of resolving the dispute.

Members of the Prospect union are meeting with officials on Monday night.

Union leaders say they have now reached an impasse after a number of strikes.

They claim they are being "exploited" as they are being asked to promote the city's image while effectively taking a pay cut.

The aim of Monday's meeting is to make the position of Prospect members clear and find a solution before Liverpool becomes European Capital of Culture.

Visitor numbers to museums and galleries across Merseyside are expected to increase during in 2008

About 250 staff from Liverpool's museums and galleries are involved in the row.

They claim an imposed pay offer of 1.8% for 2007 and 1.3% for 2008 amounts to less than half the rate of inflation.