West End performers could strike as union Equity demand 17 per cent pay rise

Strikes could hit the West End after performers and creatives union Equity called for a 17 per cent pay rise for its members.

Equity has launched its ‘Stand Up For 17%’ campaign which also asks for more holiday time and a shift in rehearsal schedules.

A survey by the union has revealed how two thirds (61%) of West End performers have considered leaving the industry over the past three years due to current conditions.

45% of West End members currently have a second job with almost half saying their West End pay doesn’t cover their living expenses.

One performer prepared to strike told the London Evening Standard: “I can’t afford a ticket to see the show I’m in if I had to pay full price.”

Negotiations with Society of London Theatre (SOLT) will begin in February with hopes of agreeing a deal in the spring.

Paul W Fleming, Equity General Secretary, said: “Coming out of COVID, our industry was determined to ‘build back better’, and Equity’s West End campaign on work, rest and pay is the start of making that aspiration a reality. At a time of high inflation, our members have decided to Stand Up For 17% – a sensible rise in the minimum when rents, energy, and other costs have continued to rocket for over a year. We’re looking forward to sitting down with the producers in the coming months to find a roadmap to implement our reasonable aspirations. Theatre is about people, particularly its talented and skilled workforce – and we need real focus on ensuring performers and stage management are fairly paid, and achieve a proper work-life balance.”

Hannah Plant, Equity West End Official, added: “As Equity’s West End Official I meet working members every week on big shows whose experiences of struggle and hardship don’t tally with rising ticket prices. We need greater financial transparency from producers to ensure that profits aren’t being funnelled off to line the pockets of the rich at the expense of our members. It’s high time West End workers are paid what they deserve given their hard work, expertise and the revenue they generate.”

A SOLT spokesperson said: “As we enter this year’s negotiations, we are keen to build on our already constructive relationship with Equity to achieve a sustainable outcome.”