Nationwide performer threat over pay deal

Published Thursday 17 August 2006 at 10:15 by Nuala Calvi

Exclusive: An “overwhelming majority” of casts in commercial shows across Britain are willing to consider industrial action if theatre managers do not agree the £350 a week minimum wage currently being demanded by Equity.

In a survey of major tours around the country, hundreds of performers on shows including Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Buddy the Musical have said they are willing to take action, from all-out strikes to overtime bans and holding the curtain.

They have also told the union the bottom line 23% wage hike is the issue of most pressing concern in the negotiations over pay and conditions with the Theatrical Management Association, which represents producers and theatre managers in the regions.

Assistant general secretary for theatre and variety Stephen Spence said: “An overwhelming majority are saying they are prepared to consider industrial action if we can’t get a reasonable wage. It’s been a surprise just how enthusiastic people have been. I hope the managers will take notice of it.

“People are struggling, particularly in the commercial sector and London, to live on the wages currently paid. The other day I went out to one cast and a member said at the end of the week she was left with £22 after paying food and bills.”

Equity has indicated it is trying hard to reach a deal with theatre managers and that is its first priority. However, the news will put pressure on the TMA, which originally turned down the £350 claim, to think again.

Talks between the two sides are said to have been very difficult at the outset but there are now signs that a deal is close to being reached - some five months late. Union officials have also visited the casts of almost every West End show to gauge opinion ahead of putting in their West End claim. While those results are not yet all in, they appear to point to a similar outcome.

The TMA declined to comment on the results of the survey.