BLAENAVON’S Big Pit is set to open for the first time in two months after workers accepted an improved offer from management, according to the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

The site is one of a number of museums across the country that have been closed following a long-running dispute over weekend payments between National Museum Wales and the PCS.

Union members have been offered compensation for the withdrawal of weekend pay allowances and 78 per cent of those balloted have voted to accept the offer.

The vote brings to an end the two-year dispute, which has seen frequent industrial action and an indefinite strike since April 28.

PCS general secretary, Mark Serwotka, said: "This resounding vote brings to an end an incredible campaign by museum staff who can be very proud of what they've achieved through standing together and refusing to be bullied.

"They can now go back to the jobs they love with their heads held high."

Following the recent Assembly elections, the Welsh Government made additional funding available, enabling management to improve their offer.

The deal now accepted by members includes compensation payments worth five years of allowances; an option to take this over four years as pensionable payments; and an increase in basic pay of at least four per cent for staff in the lowest grades.