WNO ballot on new pay offer

Welsh National Opera members are being balloted on an improved 3.8% pay increase as part of a three year package.

“This offer is a significant improvement on the 2.6% offer that was rejected by the members”

This follows the unanimous rejection of the previous 2.6% offer by members in August.

The improved offer, which includes WNO wholly-owned subsidiary Cardiff Theatrical Services, was made at a subsequent meeting with the employer.

The three year offer includes:

  • 3.8% pay increase backdated to 1 April 2007 and running until 31 August 2008.
  • 3% increase from 1 September 2008.
  • 3% increase running from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010.

BECTU's negotiating team recognise there is an element of risk in agreeing a three year deal and they have insisted that they will return to the bargaining table in the event that RPI is significantly different in 2008 and 2009.

Management have requested a similar caveat in relation to Arts Council funding.

Welsh National Opera and Cardiff Theatrical Services members are bring balloted on the improved offer. The ballot closes at noon on 7 November 2007.

BECTU lead negotiator, National Official Willie Lesslie, commented: "The offer is the best that can be achieved through negotiation.

"This offer is a significant improvement on the 2.6% offer that was rejected by the members and demonstrates that unity of purpose by BECTU members can yield improvements in pay".

29 October 2007