West End Deal Sets Scene for Sunday Openings???

The West End could follow the National Theatre into Sunday openings sooner rather than later (See News, 17 Sep 2008). After nearly a year and a half of negotiations, managements and employees are close to reaching an agreement, with actors’ union Equity now recommending that its members in West End shows pass the motion in voting this week.

Sunday working is being pushed through as part of a package to increase wages in the West End. Equity had recently been threatening strike action over pay but, if it goes ahead, the new deal would see a substantial salary hike to a weekly minimum of £450 for performers in smaller venues and £550 for those appearing at venues with more than 1,100 seats. Sunday performances would bring an additional £50 supplement. The four-year deal would also include inflationary increases. Other benefits to producers include a flat fee of £160 per performer appearing in electronic press kit footage.

Richard Pulford, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre, which acts on behalf of theatre producers and owners, said the proposals would bring West End working practices “into the 21st century”. For both Equity and producers, “this is a win-win deal”.
If passed, the changes would rapidly come into force.