Strikes averted at Live Nation

Strike action at selected Live Nation venues has been averted after talks this week settled the pay dispute.

BECTU members at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Bristol Hippodrome and Empire Theatre in Liverpool were preparing to take industrial action next month in pursuit of a pay settlement.

In April this year, Live Nation refused to pay its staff who are paid above the minimum Theatrical Management Association (TMA) rates, the full national pay award. Instead, management imposed a 3% award in place of the 3.5% which had been agreed with the TMA.

Efforts since April to resolve the dispute were concluded positively this week.

Live Nation has agreed that from April 2009, when the next review is due, all staff at all their theatres will receive the BECTU/TMA rise. As compensation for this year’s shortfall, staff will have their pay adjusted from 1 January to reflect the 3.5% award; in addition all contracted staff will also receive an additional day off in lieu.

The BECTU members affected have endorsed the settlement following briefings since the breakthrough talks on 26 November. All Live Nation members will receive details of the settlement.

BECTU's Scottish Organiser, Paul McManus, believes this week’s development demonstrates the importance and value of BECTU membership. Commenting on the deal he said: “Although Willy Donaghy and I negotiated the deal, we could not have achieved it without the courage, hard work and determination of our stewards and members in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Bristol.

“They are the ones who deserve all the praise and the thanks of Live Nation staff across the UK who will now benefit from the collective strength of BECTU membership."