ROH Orchestra votes in favour of potential industrial action

The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (ROH) has voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in response to reluctance by ROH management to return orchestra members’ pay to pre-covid levels. In the ballot, which closed on Monday (17 July), 89.87% of orchestra members voted in favour of potential strike action (with a turnout of 92.94%).

During the pandemic, orchestras across the globe made concessions to stay afloat and the ROH orchestra was no different. However, while pay and conditions for other orchestras have returned to pre-Covid levels, ROH orchestra players have not had their 10% pay cut reversed.

Naomi Pohl, general secretary of the Musicians’ Union (MU) which is in talks with ROH management, said: ‘This was a conclusive ballot result which shows the strength of feeling among our members at ROH. They are being reasonable in their requests. Far from demanding their pay be restored to pre-pandemic levels now, they are asking for a plan to get there over time.’

When the current cost of living crisis and inflation is taken into account, orchestra members are in real terms 23% worse off than they were three years ago. Members have also raised the issue of work-life balance as scheduling for rehearsals and performance become increasingly intense.

In a statement released yesterday, the MU said: ‘The musicians understand that there is pressure on the ROH management due to the funding cuts imposed by Arts Council England and the need to repay Coronavirus Business Loans to the Government. They realise that funds aren't immediately available to significantly increase the pay offer on the table now but, having played their part in helping the company through the pandemic, they would like to see a concrete commitment to returning their pay to pre-COVID levels over time.’

The ballot result gives the MU and the orchestra a six-month window in which to take action.