We look forward to working constructively with Northern Ballet to strengthen opportunities and protections for musicians in the years ahead. Image credit: Shutterstock.
Musicians working with Northern Ballet Sinfonia have voted to accept a new collective agreement negotiated between the Musicians' Union and Northern Ballet, bringing collectively negotiated terms and conditions back in place for freelance musicians engaged by the company.
Crucially, the new agreement retains a list of first call musicians, including the majority of the original Northern Ballet Sinfonia members.
This brings to the end the dispute between the Musicians’ Union and Northern Ballet, which involved multiple protests outside venues, leafleting of audience members and a petition which received over 22,000 signatures.
The new agreement secures collectively negotiated rates, terms and protections for members
The agreement re-establishes collectively negotiated rates, protections and procedures for musicians working with Northern Ballet. It also provides a framework for annual negotiations, giving members and the Union the opportunity to continue improving terms and conditions in future years.
The new agreement also addresses the issue of recorded music. While the company will have the ability to record sessions for backing track use with Northern Ballet players in certain circumstances; the agreement explicitly acknowledges the MU's position regarding the substitution of live musicians with recorded performances. Northern Ballet will use its best endeavours to perform with live musicians where finances and artistic outcomes allow.
Importantly, the majority of Northern Ballet's forthcoming work will continue to be performed with live musicians, a significant outcome that reflects the MU's ongoing campaign in support of live music in theatre and dance.
An important step forward
General Secretary Naomi Pohl said about the new agreement:
"The Musicians' Union has always been clear that we do not support the replacement of live musicians with recorded music. While this agreement is not the end of that conversation, it is an important step forward.
"This deal restores a collective agreement for Northern Ballet Sinfonia musicians and secures collectively negotiated rates, terms and protections for our members. We are particularly pleased that Northern Ballet's upcoming performances will be performed with a live orchestra and that the agreement recognises our position on the importance of live music.
"Most importantly, this agreement provides a foundation on which we can build. We look forward to continuing discussions through future negotiations and working constructively with Northern Ballet to strengthen opportunities and protections for musicians in the years ahead."
We look forward to rebuilding constructive industrial relations with Northern Ballet
North of England Regional Organiser Paul Reed added:
“This new agreement is a testament to the determination and solidarity shown by Northern Ballet Sinfonia musicians throughout this campaign, and to the strength of their collective voice.
"While there is still work to be done, the Union has secured important protections for members working under this new agreement, retained a first-call list, and ensured that Northern Ballet's forthcoming productions will continue to feature live musicians at the heart of its work”.
The MU would like to thank the Northern Ballet Sinfonia musicians, player representatives and negotiating team who supported the campaign and the process and helped secure this important outcome for members.
As the agreement comes into force, the Union looks forward to rebuilding constructive industrial relations with Northern Ballet and continuing to advocate for high-quality live music at the heart of its productions.