Bravo for theatre deal aimed at low paid

Long running pay talks at the National Theatre (NT) in London have resulted in a significant boost for the lower paid. Front-of-house and catering staff will see their rates increase to a minimum of £7.35 per hour from April 2008. The increase puts the minimum rate above the London Living Wage threshold which is currently set at £7.20 per hour. The deal equates to a 17.6% increase for the two-year deal to March 2009.

Willy Donaghy, supervisory official of the BECTU broadcasting and entertainment union, said the reps at the NT deserve congratulations on an agreement “which is meaningful for all staff and particularly for the lowest paid”.

One side benefit of the negotiations has been that NT reps have increased membership “on the strength of the claim for real improvements for the lowest paid”.