MU Officials and WNO Orchestra members attended a demo and leafleting session outside The Wales Millennium Centre in June to help the cause. Image credit: Alistair Heap/PA Media Assignments.
MU members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in a ballot that closed on 17 July 2024.
The result of the ballot was 81.25% in favour of full strike action, and 96.87% in favour of Action Short of a Strike, based on a turnout of 88.89%.
The ballot was called as a result of WNO management plans to make the orchestra part-time, thereby cutting their pay by 15%.
WNO will also have to cut down on touring as a result of the plans, which risk leaving towns and cities like Llandudno and Bristol without the high-quality opera provision they deserve.
Our members don’t take ballots for potential industrial action lightly
MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: “Our members don’t take ballots for potential industrial action lightly. We always want to avoid full strike action if possible and WNO management need to work with us to consider alternative proposals and pursue an appropriate funding solution that will enable WNO to remain a full time company.
“These cuts could be averted with increased support from Welsh Government, Arts Council Wales, Arts Council England or a combination of the three.”
Management’s plans are a result of a 35% funding cut from Arts Council England (ACE) in November 2022 and a further 11.8% cut from Arts Council Wales (ACW) in late 2023.
40% of our WNO members are considering leaving the sector in order to make ends meet
MU National Organiser for Orchestras Jo Laverty said: “The orchestra being forced into part-time time employment will be hugely damaging to our members. We know from a survey conducted earlier this year that 60% of our members are having to consider leaving the orchestra of WNO and 40% are considering leaving the sector altogether in order to make ends meet.
“Welsh National Opera cuts will also have a wider knock-on effect on the industry and the arts ecosystem in Wales; with ever decreasing opportunities for jobs that provide the stability and benefits of year-round employment and year-round opportunities for engagement of freelancers.
“It diminishes opportunities in the profession, it diminishes opportunities for skilled orchestral musicians in Wales, and the future of the profession for Wales’s aspiring young musicians.”
MU members affected are campaigning to keep WNO as a full-time company, stop the proposed 15% pay cut and secure a sustainable funding package to protect WNO's future, including touring.
A serious threat to the cultural ecosystem in Wales
MU Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England Andy Warnock said: “This vote for industrial action by MU members at WNO is hugely significant and reflects the seriousness of the threat to our members’ livelihoods and the cultural ecosystem in Wales.
“We’re extremely disappointed that we haven’t been able to meet the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture or the UK Government Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport to discuss the situation at WNO.
“The proposed cuts at WNO are going to harm a national institution through a reduction in secure jobs, artistic quality, and performances that are just as real and specific as rain dripping onto paintings. In the same way that the Welsh Government found £3.7m to support the National Museum, National Library, and other museums and archives, we call on the Welsh Government to recognise WNO's national significance.
"We hope that the prospect of industrial action will highlight the need for meaningful engagement by the Welsh and UK Governments, and we’re very grateful for all the support our campaign has received so far, that we hope will continue in this new phase.”
Welsh National Opera is the nation’s only full-time opera company and one of only two full time orchestras in Wales.
The company was founded by miners, teachers, doctors and others who wanted a national opera company rooted in Wales’ rich musical heritage.
"Irreplaceable"
Funding cuts from Arts Council England and Arts Council Wales, the consequent reduction in performance and ticket revenue, reduced Theatre Tax Relief income, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis mean that WNO is facing a 25% reduction in its income overall. This situation has forced the management into making cuts affecting all areas of the company.
Over 10,000 people have signed a petition started by musicians in the orchestra to protect WNO.
Supporters say:
- “WNO is the jewel in Wales’ artistic crown and it must be properly funded.”
- “Just spent a great evening with Puccini - II trittico. What sort of country are we left with if we keep undervaluing music.”
- “Worked for the WNO over ten years ago and it was a big turning point in my own career. Places like the WNO are vital to the arts. Please don't underestimate their value.”
- “WNO is a uniquely gifted company of musicians delivering outstanding world-class productions and committed to serving the community with wide-ranging local projects as well. It is in a word, irreplaceable. It should be treasured, not starved of vital funding. Opera as presented by WNO is truly for everyone.”
The average musician earns just £20,000 a year
This announcement comes at an incredibly challenging time for the arts sector with several other major institutions across the country also making cuts to musicians' jobs and pay.
The average musician earns just £20,000, according to our recent Musicians’ Census, the same average pay as a decade ago.
In the meantime, following the closure of live performances during the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis continuing, many musicians are struggling to support themselves.
It is unclear how WNO management expects people in the WNO orchestra to survive on a 15% cut to pay on already low salaries for the sector.
The future of opera in Wales and England must not be low paid jobs, insecure contracts, and access only for those who can afford it.