WNO vote for improved package

Welsh National Opera members have voted by 65% to accept a 3.8% pay increase as part of a three year package.

Members, including those in WNO wholly-owned subsidiary Cardiff Theatrical Services, voted for the increase in a consultative ballot.

The improved increase followed the previous unanimous rejection of a 2.6% offer by members in August.

The three year package includes:

• 3.8% pay increase backdated to 1 April 2007 and running until 31 August 2008.
• 3% increase from 1 September 2008.
• 3% increase running from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010.

BECTU lead negotiator, National Official Willie Lesslie, commented before the ballot: “The offer is the best that can be achieved through negotiation.

“This offer is a significant improvement on the 2.6% offer that was rejected by the members and demonstrates that unity of purpose by BECTU members can yield improvements in pay”.