Peace deal accepted at RSC

Strikes at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford have been averted.

BECTU members at the theatre have voted to accept new proposals for redundancies which were tabled by management after the union announced plans for industrial action.

Strikes were threatened after talks on job cuts and changes in working practices broke down. RSC management had been trying to push through a plan for a reduced season of Shakespeare plays at Stratford, and new touring arrangements.

Up to two thirds of technical staff were threatened with redundancy under the plan, and the union had not secured any promise from management that compulsory job cuts would be avoided.

The threat of a one-day strike on September 15 prompted management to re-open negotiations, and the new proposals emerged from a day of discussions. Although the new package still included a limited number of compulsory redundancies, probably between 8 and 10, union negotiators recommended that members should accept the proposals.

A well-attended meeting of members at Stratford supported the recommendation to accept, although a significant minority argued that the strike campaign should continue.

PRESS INFORMATION

Without embargo Thursday 18 September 2001

Attention of arts and entertainment correspondents plus labour and industry correspondents

RSC strike settled at Stratford

BECTU members at Stratford have narrowly voted to accept proposals for settlement in the redundancies dispute which culminated in threatened strike action last week. New redundancy terms significantly improve on the company's first position and almost double the original offer:

  • There are to be no redundancies before March 2002.
  • Staff made redundant will get first offer of casual work which will be pensionable.
  • There will be no further compulsory redundancies for 5 years.
  • Training opportunities will be made available to for redundant technical staff.

At least ten jobs out of 56 in stage related areas will go plus two in box office, three in the workshops and two in the paintshop.

BECTU theatres officer Willy Donaghy said "BECTU members at Stratford accepted this settlement with the narrowest of majorities because of the compulsory element in the redundancies. Only the threat of strike made the employer concede in this dispute and BECTU will continue to campaign to minimise the numbers to be made redundant.

"Outstanding differences remain between BECTU members and the employer at the RSC Barbican and strike action is likely unless the employer is willing to make concessions."

Note to editors.
BECTU represents eight thousand staff in the theatre and entertainment sector.

Further information from: Willy Donaghy or Gerry Morrissey at BECTU head office 020 7437 8506

or Nick Wright BECTU Press Office 020 7437 8506
Mobile 07976 943514 e-mail:[email protected]
111 Wardour Street London W1F 0AY

18 September 2001