Full time wage, full time chorus, no compulsory redundancies
Singers and Equity members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) chorus are facing devastating cuts to their jobs and pay.
The chorus has long been an integral part of the WNO’s success and the cultural fabric of Wales. The reduction in the number of choristers, compounded by the move towards compulsory redundancy, threatens not only the livelihoods of these talented individuals but also the future of the Opera itself.
Show your support now by writing to the chair of WNO Board and asking them to reconsider the current plans and to not cut voices from the chorus.
Writing to the WNO board takes less than a minute and can be sent in English or in Welsh.
Write to the WNO boardWe demand:
- A full time Chorus
- A full time wage
- No compulsory redundancies
We reject a proposal that would result in:
- At least a 15% cut to chorus members’ pay
- A reduction in contracted hours despite the high workload of performances and rehearsal
- A cut to the overall number of chorus members with real threat of compulsory redundancies
Save jobs, livelihoods and a treasured part of Welsh culture.
Latest: WNO chorus strike action paused
Equity members in the WNO chorus have voted overwhelmingly to reschedule upcoming strike action from 11 October to 15 November. This follows constructive and ongoing discussions with new interim management.
The rescheduling of strike action follows previously paused strike dates on Saturday 21 and Sunday 29 September. Instead, action short of strike has been taking place on those dates and several others, involving chorus members wearing t-shirts saying ‘#SaveOurWNO #AchubOCC’.
Simon Curtis, Equity Wales Official, says: “To make sure we explore every possible option to safeguard jobs and the workforce requires time, and that is why we are allowing this new management space to reach an agreement, which works, for our members. The chorus continue to be concerned about the implications and any implementation of management’s most recent proposals and our demands remain the same – a full time chorus on a full time wage, with no compulsory redundancies.”
Read more in our news story"I am a mother of three living a very basic lifestyle, these cuts will put me just above minimum wage and this is unsustainable for me and my children. With few opportunities here in Wales to transfer my skill set it could force me out of my home and possibly out of the sector."
Claire Hampton, Equity deputy (workplace representative) and Soprano, member of WNO chorus for 22 years
