Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

The MU and Equity are postponing strike action to allow time for urgent talks on improved proposals from ENO management.

Published: 29 January 2024 | 12:11 PM

An empty rehearsal room full of orchestral instruments and chairs. — The Musicians' Union has made some progress but requires further negotiation to achieve a settlement that will be acceptable to its members. Image credit: Shutterstock.

The Musicians' Union and Equity are postponing full strike action in order to allow time for urgent talks on improved proposals from ENO management.

Equity has reached an interim headline settlement for the chorus but is working on the details of a final deal.

The Musicians' Union has made some progress but requires further negotiation to achieve a settlement that will be acceptable to its members.

Consequently, industrial action on The Handmaid's Tale on 1 February is suspended but our mandate for industrial action remains live until such a time a full settlement is reached.

The Musicians' Union will continue taking action short of a strike while negotiations are ongoing and we have notified the management of further strike dates in two weeks' time.

Share your solidarity

Download social media graphics or a poster for you to print and take a photo with
Share it with a message of solidarity on social media using the hashtag #WeAreENO

Thanks to everyone who has shared messages of solidarity so far.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Close up of a Border Security Officer at a computer.

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US

Tamizdat, a non-profit organisation that facilitates international cultural exchange, has provided updated advice for those entering the US, further to recent press commentary regarding increased scrutiny at ports of entry.

Published: 27 March 2025

The four MU delegates at TUC Women's conference, stood together smiling.

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Four MU delegates attended this year’s TUC Women’s Conference, where Union motions on the responsible use of AI, and better pay in relation to pregnancy and parenting were both passed.

Published: 27 March 2025

Ankna singing into a microphone on stage.

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

In our fourth and final blog for Women's History Month 2025, vocalist Ankna Arockiam explores the challenges women in the music industry face, her work around higher education and activism, and how joining the MU opens up opportunities for a more inclusive industry.

Published: 26 March 2025

Group of diverse women sat talking around a table, making notes with paper and laptops, smiling as they network and share ideas.

Keychange Announces 2025 Cohort for Talent Leadership Programme

Keychange, a movement dedicated to addressing underrepresentation in music, has announced the new participants in its 2025 Talent Leadership Programme. The cohort, which includes the MU’s own ED&I Officer Diljeet Bhachu, will collaborate to drive transformative change within the industry.

Published: 25 March 2025

Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience of Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.