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

Musicians in Northern Ballet Orchestra playing live as part of a demo.

Northern Ballet Management is Now Using Non-Union Contracts

Northern Ballet management continues to use non-union contracts for some performances.

Published: 11 April 2025

The entire cast of Peter Grimes, on stage at the curtain call, showing as empty orchestra pit.

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra took to the stage on opening night of Peter Grimes on Saturday 5 April, to address the audience about the need for better funding.

Published: 10 April 2025

Three children sat in a semicircle in a music classroom, having a guitar lesson from a tutor.

Curriculum Review: Sign the Campaign Letter to Help Make Space for the Arts in Schools

Following the publication of an interim report from the government’s Curriculum Review, our open letter to ministers highlights the desperate need to make space for the arts in schools.

Published: 31 March 2025

School students in a music lesson learning on keyboards.

Government Announces New Centre for Arts and Music Education

The MU welcomes the news, which we hope will be central to the Labour Government’s delivery on its pledges to boost music and arts education in England.

Published: 19 March 2025

The outside of the Senedd building in Wales.

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

The MU welcomes the announcement of an additional £4.4m for arts, culture and publishing in Wales as part of the Welsh Government Final Budget for 2025/26.

Published: 26 February 2025

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches