Theatre strike in Leicester

BECTU members at the Haymarket in Leicester have walked out over a pay claim.

The one-day stoppage today (October 9) came after the collapse of last-minute talks with management over the union's campaign to end low pay at the theatre.

More action is planned for October 12 and 13 if no move is made to improve this year's pay offer to BECTU members at the Haymarket.

In a ballot earlier this month, 88% of the members rejected a 2% pay offer following the breakdown of this year's pay negotiations. Last year the members at the theatre pulled back from the brink of strike action in order to allow the new senior management team at the theatre an opportunity to address members' concerns about low pay in the theatre. This year's negotiations broke down when the company refused to improve its offer.

BECTU Supervisory Official Willy Donaghy commented: "The union's recent low pay survey highlighted the shocking fact that the vast majority of theatre workers are paid less than the levels acknowledged by both the Low Pay Unit and the Council of Europe as poverty pay. I am disappointed that our members in the Haymarket theatre have been forced to take this action. Low pay is the biggest problem facing BECTU members in the theatre industry and the dispute in Leicester may be taken up across the rest of Britain."

He added: "BECTU is always prepared to enter into constructive negotiations to resolve any disputes. However, this management is currently not prepared to increase their offer."

Terms and conditions at the Leicester Haymarket are negotiated locally, and the theatre is one of those outside London that are not covered by the TMA (Theatre Managers' Association) agreement.