Live Nation staff vote for strike

Theatre members employed by Live Nation in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Bristol have voted to take strike action over pay.

The dispute involves staff at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Liverpool Empire and Bristol Hippodrome.

Staff at the three theatres have been in talks for months to try and persuade their management to apply the entire national award agreed by the Theatrical Management Association (TMA) to their theatres.

In April 2008 the TMA and BECTU agreed a 3.5% increase on minimum rates; despite the fact that the award was below inflation then, BECTU members voted by 2-to-1 to accept the increase.

Live Nation, which runs some of the biggest venues outside London, decided to award just 3% to staff at the theatres in dispute, arguing that because staff at these sites are paid above minimum rates they have no strict entitlement to the whole award.

“Members are angry that in a change from established practice, Live Nation has imposed a lower pay rise on these staff than has been received by staff in other TMA theatres across the country.” explained BECTU’s Scottish Organiser, Paul McManus.

“The money is important, particularly, in these difficult times, but the principle is also important too. Staff in TMA theatres who are paid above the minimum rates are often in this position because their venues are more demanding and because local factors dictate higher earnings; members are not willing to see their better conditions eroded on a management whim.” Paul McManus concluded.

If the dispute remains unresolved, action will affect performances of Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins and a tour by the English National Ballet. Live Nation stewards will meet on 18 November to decide what form the planned action should take.

“Our members are committed to protecting their terms and conditions, however, BECTU remains willing to continue the discussions. We have offered to meet Live Nation at ACAS in an effort to resolve the dispute. We hope the company will accept this offer.” said Paul McManus.