Equity members in the chorus of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) have taken their first day of action short of strike (ASOS) during the opening performance of Rigoletto (21 September). The chorus leafletted audience members before the performance, explaining why they were taking the action, and wore Equity t-shirts during the curtain call.
Equity members were joined in taking ASOS by members of the WNO’s orchestra, represented by the Musicians’ Union.
Strike action scheduled for 21 and 29 September was paused last week following productive discussions with WNO management. For now, the third date in the planned strike action on the 11 October is still in place.
A deal has not yet been reached and the chorus remain concerned about the implications of management’s current proposals. ASOS has been called continuously until 6 December. Members of the chorus will continue leafleting the public outside the Wales Millennium Centre before dress rehearsals and performances and will take other actions.
The Board has a scheduled meeting this Wednesday (25 September), where Equity Officials and Chorus Members have been invited to meet Yvette Vaughan Jones, the Chair of the Board, and the board to hand in an open letter and to call on them to intervene with WNO management to save jobs in the company’s chorus. Over 1,300 people have already signed the open letter.
WNO management’s proposals, if carried through, would do catastrophic harm to WNO, and our members livelihoods.
Simon Curtis, Equity Wales Official
Commenting Simon Curtis, Equity Wales Official, said: “Equity members in the WNO chorus sent a clear message on Saturday that they are not prepared to accept the management offer of cuts and compulsory redundancies.
“The actions of Equity members received overwhelming public support. The public know that WNO management’s proposals, if carried through, would do catastrophic harm to WNO, and our members livelihoods. WNO is a jewel amongst the national cultural institutions of Wales, and our members are highly skilled professionals that form part of the artistic backbone of the company, and both must be protected.
“The WNO Board and Management now need to negotiate seriously and come up with an offer to resolve this dispute. Our members have shown that they are 100% united, and if progress is not made in talks, then our members are ready to strike as planned on 11th October.”
#SaveOurWNO #AchubOCC
