SOLT writes on pay offer

West End theatre owners and producers have taken the unusual decision to write to staff urging them to accept this year's pay offer.

The letter from SOLT (Society of London Theatres) says the 5% offer is significantly above inflation, currently running at 4.1%, but ignoring to mention the concerns that BECTU have raised with them about last year's settlement.

The union is currently balloting its members in West End theatres on the pay offer, with the union's negotiating committee making no recommendation to accept or reject, but has asked members to judge the offer on its merits.

While the offer could be viewed favourably in isolation, there remains considerable dissatisfaction among the broader union membership because of the manner in which last year's 'interim award' from SOLT proved to be the actual increase.

BECTU Supervisory Official Willy Donaghy commented: "I am aware that the letter has been circulated to West End members and received copies from members before being advised by SOLT.

"Of course employers can communicate with their staff, but in my experience such missives often tend to have the opposite effect to that intended.

"BECTU believes that its members are intelligent enough to make up their own minds about the merits of the offer. Many BECTU members have expressed concern at the employers' tactic but I have advised them to ignore the letter and concentrate on the offer."

The ballot is due to close on Friday 26 October, but the deadline may be extended if returns are less than normal due to the postal strike - this website will be updated with any developments.

Meanwhile both BECTU and SOLT have re-iterated their committment to negotiating a modern skills-based agreement by October next year which is expected to bring significant benefits to both parties.

Willy Donaghy added "To me, this is the real challenge currently facing both of our organisations.

"Obviously the employers have their own agenda, and they are aware that the union intends to use the process to begin to seriously address the chronic industry problem of low pay, but I think we agree that this a unique opportunity for both BECTU and SOLT."