The vote comes as a response to management’s plans to make the orchestra part-time, cutting pay by 15 per cent with a reduction in touring
Orchestra members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, following threats of full-time jobs being reduced to 85 per cent contracts by management.
81.25 per cent of Musicians’ Union (MU) members who responded to the ballot voted yes to full strike action and 96.87 per cent voted for action short of a strike.
The ballot was called as a result of WNO management plans to make the orchestra part-time, cutting the members’ pay by 15 per cent. Additionally, WNO plans to cut down on touring, leaving towns such as Llandudno and Bristol without opera provision.
The 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.
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.’
The MU national organiser for orchestras, Jo Laverty, illustrated the damaging effect part-time employment would have on orchestra members. According to a survery conducted earlier this year, 60 per cent of members were considering leaving the orchestra of WNO, while 40 per cent were considering leaving the sector entirely 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,’ Laverty said.
’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 regional organiser for Wales and South West England Andy Warnock acknowledged that the vote for industrial action by MU members at WNO was hugely significant.
’[It] reflects the seriousness of the threat to our members’ livelihoods and the cultural ecosystem in Wales…The proposed cuts at WNO are going to harm a national institution through a reduction in secure jobs, artistic quality, and performances.’
Over 10,000 people have signed a petition started by musicians in the orchestra to protect WNO, which is the nation’s only full-time opera company and one of only two full time orchestras in Wales.
WNO is not the only company facing significant consequences following funding cuts. The English National Opera (ENO) will move from its London base to Manchester by 2029 to ensure it continues to receive ACE funding, following significant cuts in 2022. Additionally, members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia embarked on a lengthy campaign to save their jobs after a decision to replace the orchestra with recordings.
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