WNO MU Members vote yes to potential strike action

Musicians’ Union (MU) members in Welsh National Opera’s (WNO) orchestra have today voted ‘overwhelmingly in favour’ of potential strike action in response to proposal to make the orchestra part-time and cut musicians’ pay by 15 per cent, as well as cutting down on touring.

In a ballot that closed on 17 July, 81.25 per cent of MU members in the WNO orchestra who responded to the ballot voted yes to full strike action and 96.87 per cent voted for Action Short of a Strike. MU members are campaigning to keep WNO as a full-time company, stop the proposed 15 per cent pay cut and secure a sustainable funding package to protect WNO's future, including touring. 

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.’

Welsh National Opera is the nation’s only full-time opera company and one of only two full time orchestras in Wales. WNO management’s plans are a result of a 35 per cent funding cut from Arts Council England (ACE) in November 2022 and a further 11.8 per cent cut from Arts Council Wales (ACW) in late 2023. Coupled with the consequent reduction in performance and ticket revenue, reduced Theatre Tax Relief income, inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, this means that WNO faces 25 per cent reduction in its overall income.

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.’

He added: ‘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.’