West End theatre dispute ended
BECTU's dispute with London theatre owners has been settled with a 3.1% pay rise.
On top of the pay increase, which was accepted by a meeting of members on November 29, the Society of London Theatres (SOLT) has also agreed to set up a joint working party to discuss terms and conditions.
The dispute arose after management attempted to impose individual contracts on staff, by-passing the collective agreement with BECTU on pay and conditions.
After several weeks of discussions, and a threat of strike action from members, SOLT tabled an interim agreement covering all staff, under which terms and conditions would not be included in individual contracts.
Where staff are engaged on individual contracts, the collectively-agreed terms and conditions will be included.
The 3.1% pay increase is backdated to November 1 2000, and the working party is due to report by March 2001 on an agreed list of topics:
- Hours of work, including calling systems, 6 day working, and days off.
- Staffing levels.
- Departmental duties and responsibilities.
- Skills recognition and career development.
- Pension contributions.
- Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
- The scope of the collective agreement.
The interim offer was accepted by members on the recommendation of shop stewards.