English National Opera chorus members balloted on industrial action

Chorus members of the English National Opera started voting on Thursday on whether to take industrial action in a dispute over pay. Members of Equity are being balloted on options for strikes as well as other forms of industrial action. The union said it is protesting at pay cuts of 40% as a result of plans to reduce the ENO’s opera season in London following a reduction in Arts Council England funding. Lottie Stables, Equity’s industrial official for opera, said: “Equity’s members cannot accept the devastating contract cuts which are being proposed by ENO management, which would result in a 40% loss of income and a worsening of their terms and conditions. “Our members in the chorus want to be on stage, performing affordable and accessible works to diverse audiences and our message to ENO management is clear – we continue to seek a negotiated solution to this dispute, and they can end this dispute by protecting their artistic workforce and meeting the demands of our counter proposal.” A spokesperson for ENO said when the ballot was first announced: “Everyone at ENO respects trade union members’ right to industrial action as part of our ongoing negotiations. “However, given the requirements set out in the agreement we reached with Arts Council England in July 2023, we believe we have presented the most viable business model that will protect the workforce as much as possible whilst ensuring a sustainable future for the whole organisation. “We believe that the issues raised could be best resolved around the negotiation table. “We continue our conversations with Equity in good faith as we work towards a sustainable future for ENO as agreed with Arts Council England in the funding agreement reached in July 2023.”

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