Performers’ union Equity and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) have reached a negotiated agreement on pay and working conditions for performers and stage management in the West End.
As of today (13 July), some 3,000 Equity members will now have the chance to vote on whether to accept or reject the negotiations in an online ballot, with the result due before the end of the month.
Equity said it is recommending the offer, which has been reached “following a period of intense talks”, making a statutory ballot for strike action “very unlikely”, unless members vote to reject it.
The three-year offer, which would be dated from April 2026, provides an increase of at least 13.5% to minimum rates over the period, according to Equity.
There are also new payments for responsibilities of fight captains and social media reps, and “increased stage management differentials”.
Equity said the offer also provides more holiday – by up to two days by the third year of the period – and “more maternity, adoption and paternity paid leave”.
This is accompanied by extra “paid leave if a worked is injured on a show, inclusive wigs, hair and make-up provision, more accessible casting and auditions and progress towards a five-day week in rehearsals”.
It follows an indicative ballot of Equity members in May, in which 98% said they were willing to take industrial action to achieve better pay and conditions.
Co-chief executive of SOLT Claire Walker said: “Our objective throughout these negotiations has been to secure a fair, sustainable, and long-term agreement which recognises the contribution of performers and stage management, while giving producers the certainty and flexibility they need.
“This three-year settlement delivers that balance. It provides meaningful improvements to pay and conditions, supports work-life balance, and establishes a clear framework for the West End through to 2029.”
The proposed agreement will take effect if ratified by Equity members, with the result due on 29 July.
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