Theatre workers vote on 3.3% offer

Broadcasting and stage union BECTU has negotiated an inflation-busting pay offer for its members working in theatres across the country.

Worth 3.3%, the agreement was reached at the end of last month with the Theatrical Management Association (TMA), which represents the managers of hundreds of theatrical companies and venues.

The TMA had initially offered 2.4%, the current level of the retail prices index, arguing that a higher offer was unjustified in the wake of above-inflation deals over recent years.

But BECTU negotiators pointed out that the industry is still characterised by low pay and long working hours, and were able to secure an additional 0.9% plus a 0.5% increase in employers’ pension contributions.

The increase applies to the TMA’s national minimum rates, but higher rates can be negotiated at local level.

A ballot of the union’s members at TMA employers is currently taking place, with the result expected early next month.

* BECTU and professional union Amicus are also balloting their members at television production centre The London Studios on proposed revisions to their terms and conditions.

If accepted, the proposals – which would alter the working arrangements of employees on annualised contracts – will apply from July and affected staff will receive a 2.5% pay rise.

But the complexity of the proposals, which would have different effects on different individuals, has led the unions not to recommend acceptance or rejection.

The ballot was due to close as Workplace Report went to press.