MU Members at Welsh National Opera Renew Mandate for Industrial Action

MU members at WNO have voted to renew their mandate for industrial action.

Published: 15 January 2025 | 4:18 PM

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo. — The result of the ballot was 100% in favour of Action Short of a Strike and 72.41% in favour of full strike action. Image credit: Adam Gasson/PA Media Assignments

MU members at Welsh National Opera (WNO) have voted overwhelmingly to renew their mandate for industrial action in a ballot that closed on 15 January 2025.

The result of the ballot was 100% in favour of Action Short of a Strike and 72.41% in favour of full strike action, based on a turnout of 76.32%.

Members at WNO voted in favour of potential strike action in July 2024 and have been taking Action Short of Strike since September 2024.

Close to 14,000 people have signed a petition in support of their campaign.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Musicians' Union (@wearethemu)

See all news

Protect Welsh National Opera! Diogelu Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru!

Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England funding cuts are putting the future of Welsh National Opera (WNO) at risk.

Mae toriadau ariannol gan Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru ac Arts Council England yn fygythiad i ddyfodol Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru.

These cuts must not be allowed to happen on our watch.

Protect WNO

Rhaid i’r toriadau hyn beidio â digwydd tra ein bod ni wrth y llyw.

Diogelu WNO

Protect Welsh National Opera! Diogelu Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru!

Continue reading

Afternoon shot of Liverpool's Cavern Quarter with bars and music venues lit up.

MU Welcomes Major Regional Creative Industries Funding Boost

The MU welcomes a new £27 million government funding package, with regions across the UK invited to bid for investment aimed at strengthening creative industry clusters and building on Liverpool City Region’s success in music innovation and growth.

Published: 26 January 2026

Inside a small dark venue with vibrant rainbow lights, the crowd and band on stage are in silhouette.

Government Announces 5% Funding Uplift for Arts Organisations – Part of a £1.5bn Package to Protect Cultural Venues

New funding for cultural organisations aims to save and protect 1,000 local arts and culture venues across England, with a focus on pride in place and national renewal.

Published: 22 January 2026

A famous, vibrant street in Commercial Court in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. The street is lined with historic pubs, benches and flowers, with umbrellas and neon signs hanging over the alleyway.

Help Shape Support for Music Businesses in Belfast

Music professionals and businesses in Belfast are invited to have their say via a short survey as the Council develops a new free Business Accelerator Programme for the city’s music sector. The deadline for responses is 31 January 2026.

Published: 20 January 2026

Three young musicians, collaborating on music composition, sitting on a carpet with string instruments and sheet music discussing ideas.

UK-Wide International Fund Opens to Support Cross-Border Collaboration

The new Four Nations International Fund invites applications from artists and creative practitioners across the UK who wish to work with partners in Europe and beyond. The deadline to apply is 2:00pm on Wednesday 25 February.

Published: 19 January 2026

Interior of the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, Scotland.

MU Responds to Scottish Budget 2026-27

While the Musicians' Union welcomes the Scottish Government's increase to Culture spend, we are concerned about the lack of funding for individual artists and those engaged by the National Performing Companies (NPCs).

Published: 15 January 2026

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches