West End performers and stage managers could be the latest group of workers to take strike action after Equity put in a demand for a 17% pay rise and changes to working conditions ahead of pay talks.
Pointing to a recent member survey which suggested up to two-thirds of members had recently considered leaving the industry due to pay and working conditions, the union has launched the Stand Up For 17% campaign to gather support for its pay claim.
Commenting on the campaign, Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming tweeted: “When I was elected GS, I promised @EquityUK would back members to make real change. Industrial relations are constructive, but nothing is off the table to win big change on work, rest, & pay. Like our West End membership, I will #StandUpFor17.”
Backing for the campaign has already come from across the West End, with the casts of Hamilton and Moulin Rouge The Musical, and actors including Jason Manford, Hannah Waddingham and visiting American stage and screen star Matthew Modine among those tweeting their support.
Equity is reportedly also asking for five-day rehearsal weeks and an increase in holiday entitlement from 28 to 34 days a year for members working a six day performance week and an increase in fees for understudies, swings and stage management who fill in for colleagues.
Angela Thomas
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