skip to main content

Trade unionism in action at the Royal Opera House

Members of the Royal Opera House Orchestra have voted in favour of taking a lower pay increase for 2016 - to fund an improved pension scheme for new and future colleagues.

Published: 31 May 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

Members of the Royal Opera House (ROH) Orchestra have voted in favour of taking a lower pay increase for 2016-17 in order to fund an improved pension scheme for new and future colleagues.

As a result of pension auto-enrolment, a reduced pension offer was put in place at ROH for all new staff, including musicians, to deal with the increased cost of pension contributions across the organisation. The orchestra has since made it their top priority in pay negotiations to redress the balance between existing orchestra member and musicians joining the orchestra post auto-enrolment. 

An offer was made by our members to fund an improved pension scheme themselves by taking a 0.5% lower pay rise than other ROH staff. It was calculated that this saving year on year would enable the ROH to increase pension contributions for new members from a maximum of 4% to 8.5%. The 0.5% loss from members’ salaries will fund the improved pension scheme for roughly 30 years. 

This is such a great example of a collective of MU members working together to secure contractual benefits for fellow musicians who don’t currently have the ability or bargaining power to fight for their own rights. Some of the musicians who will benefit from this may not even be out of Primary School yet.

The ballot result was overwhelmingly in favour of compromising on pay to achieve this result.

Extras and Deputies have also made headway in their campaign to return to parity of pay with salaried ROH orchestra members.

They have been arguing to regain pay parity with their full time counterparts after a 3 year pay freeze was imposed on them.

ROH management has given the Union a clear assurance that they are committed to a return to parity, and they are therefore offering an additional 2% on the freelance rates this year over and above the increase awarded to the rest of the company.

These examples of collective action at the ROH show what can be achieved when there is a high level of MU membership in a workplace, and musicians pull together with the help of the Union to reach a common goal.

There are lots of ways to get involved in your Union, and be sure your voice is heard. Take a look at the options, or get in touch with your Regional Office.

By Naomi Pohl, MU Assistant General Secretary

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance