Walk-out called off at RSC

A planned strike at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford has been cancelled.

The decision came after a last-minute bid by management to re-open talks on redundancies resulted in new proposals being given to the union.

A one-day strike timed for Saturday September 15 has been called off while BECTU's members at the Stratford theatre consider the peace offer.

Details of the new redundancy plans are due to be explained by BECTU officials at a meeting of members at 1600 on September 14, and remain confidential until then.

However, negotiators intend to recommend acceptance of the new offer, and confirm that the management have addressed all the union's main concerns, which include redundancies, job security, and terms & conditions.

RSC managers made their move after inviting union officials to meet them early on Wednesday September 12. Talks stretched into the evening, when the compromise package was drawn up.

If members reject the proposals, a strike originally planned to be the second in the campaign of action will go ahead on Thursday September 20.

A separate dispute in the RSC over closure of the company's theatre in the Barbican, London, will continue whether or not the new proposals for Stratford are accepted.