The Musicians’ Union (MU) has announced that members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra have voted overwhelmingly to accept a new agreement. This decision follows a year of negotiations and industrial action in response to WNO’s proposal to cut musicians’ pay by 15 percent, reduce the orchestra’s size, and limit touring opportunities.
The vote saw 97 percent of respondents approve the new deal, which ensures job protection for current orchestra members. However, the agreement will still result in the loss of around 10 vacant positions. The MU stressed that any future funding plan for the company must support a full-time, full-size orchestra for Wales, as well as maintain its touring schedule in both England and Wales.
Llinos Owen, an MU member and part of the WNO orchestra’s player committee, commented, “This result provides much-needed reassurance for current players, and we are relieved that the move to a part-time orchestra is no longer on the table. Although the industrial action has ended, we remain aware of the job losses that have affected many colleagues, including those in the chorus who are facing compulsory redundancies. Since 2020, the orchestra has lost 10 positions, and WNO has faced severe cuts to its public funding, limiting our ability to perform.”
Owen continued, “Our new contract strengthens our connection to the communities we serve. Now that this period of industrial action is behind us, we are eager to work with the new leadership at WNO to advocate for sustainable funding for the opera sector and the arts in general, ensuring job security and continued world-class performances across Wales, England, and internationally.”
The vote marks the culmination of a year-long campaign by the MU, which included a petition that gained more than 14,000 signatures, including support from notable figures like Michael Sheen and Sir Bryn Terfel. The campaign also garnered backing from members of the Senedd, Parliament, and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in both Wales and England. Additionally, WNO orchestra members joined their colleagues from the chorus, production, and management to address the audience during the opening night of Peter Grimes, which included Arts Council England chair Nicolas Serota.
The MU has also reaffirmed its support for Equity members in the WNO Chorus, who are continuing their campaign to protect their jobs.
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