Theatre News

West End strikes loom as union rejects pay deal

BECTU is campaigning for a commitment to the London Living Wage

Backstage workers in the West End have voted to reject a below inflation pay increase, opening the door to a ballot on industrial action.

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has been in talks with the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) over pay since July. It is seeking a pay rise of 6 percent for its members, underpinned by an agreement to introduce the London Living Wage (£8.80).

According to BECTU, yesterday (20 October) 97.8 percent of members voted to reject the employers' below inflation offer of "around a 1.8 percent increase". Just 2.5 percent of the membership voted to accept the offer.

SOLT, which represents theatre owners and producers across the West End, has been invited to return with a "serious pay offer with no strings attached" within the next ten days.

BECTU has warned in a letter to SOLT that "the strength of the vote to reject the current pay offer represents a mandate to run an industrial action ballot if a significantly improved offer is not tabled by the end of October".

Hourly rates in the West End currently range from £6.66 an hour for an usher, to £14.72 for a head of department.

Gerry Morrissey, BECTU general secretary, said: "It really is beyond belief that employers responsible for shows turning over millions of pounds are ignoring the importance of the London Living Wage to their staff.

"The majority of our members working in West End theatre live in London and are exposed to all of the costs of living and working in the West End. Low pay is a harsh reality for the majority of staff in West End theatre and for our members that really is the biggest show in town."

UPDATE: A spokesperson for SOLT said, "SOLT remains committed to ongoing negotiations with BECTU with a view to securing a satisfactory settlement for all parties."