3.3% TMA pay ballot

BECTU members working in regional theatres are being balloted on a 3.3% pay offer.

The offer, covering members working in UK theatres managed by members of the TMA (Theatrical Management Association), also includes a 0.5% increase in employer's pension contributions.

Initially the TMA offered an inflationary increase of 2.4% on the minimum rates of pay contained in the BECTU/TMA Agreement.

The TMA said that the offer was linked to inflation because increases over the last 6 or 7 years had all been in excess of inflation.

BECTU's negotiating committee, backed by representatives throughout Britain, deemed the offer unacceptable, citing the continuing problems of low pay and long working hours that characterise the industry.

However at a negotiating meeting on 31 March an offer of a 3.3% increase on the national agreement's minimum rates of pay, together with a 0.5% increase in employer's pension contributions, was proposed.

This improved offer is currently being considered by members in a consultative ballot which closes on Tuesday 2 May 2006."