Opera singers demand better pay & work-life balance

Opera singers are demanding improved pay, work-life balance and clarity of their terms and conditions. 

Negotiations between Equity – the performing arts and entertainment trade union – represented by a working group of members together with union officials; and UK Theatre/SOLT – the trade body representing producers across the UK and in London – are set to begin, after Equity submitted their claim today.

Equity is demanding improvements to the agreement that sets minimum standards on pay, terms and conditions for opera singers, and covers principals, covers and freelance singers working in UK Theatre/SOLT member opera companies.

The claim, submitted to UK Theatre/SOLT this week, calls for improved weekly pay – especially to support the lowest paid and to reflect changing performance patterns in the industry. It also includes demands for improved notice of scheduling for a better work-life balance and family friendly working, and calls for clearer terms and conditions for artists and engagers.

Commenting on the claim, Equity Singers & Dancers Official Lottie Stables said:

The demands from Equity’s membership are clear – for too long they have seen their pay stagnate, whilst being expected to show ever more flexibility with their working patterns. This needs to stop. If managers are serious about artists’ wellbeing and dignity, they must address the demands of this claim and ensure fair weekly pay, improved scheduling and transparent terms for all singers.

A claim for improvements to terms and conditions for stage management across opera and ballet will be submitted later in the year.

A Society of London Theatre Spokesperson said:

We are committed to constructive and collaborative negotiations through the jointly established process and look forward to discussions with Equity with the aim of reaching a fair and sustainable minimum terms agreement.