Theatre pay offer accepted

BECTU's regional theatre members have voted for a new TMA pay offer.

In a consultative ballot, 84% of voting members accepted a pay offer which will be back-dated to October last year, when an earlier 2.1% offer from the Theatrical Management Association was turned down.

The new pay package, which was recommended by union negotiators, is worth up to 3% for some staff in regional theatres. Rates for performance staff are unchanged, but the TMA has agreed to open discussions with BECTU about low pay in the industry, after hundreds of staff replied to a questionnaire.

Full results of the low pay survey are due to be announced by the end of January.

A joint union management working group will review Disciplinary and Grievance procedures, under the terms of the pay agreement. The TMA will also clarify holiday and maternity rights, and will amend sick pay entitlements for casual staff.