ENO Union Members Vote in Favour of Strike Action

Members of the Musicians' Union and Equity have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in a dispute over planned cuts to the workforce.

The first day of strike action for both unions is planned for 1 February. This date coincides with the opening night of the ENO’s production of The Handmaid’s Tale.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: “Our members don’t take ballots for potential industrial action lightly. We want to avoid a strike if possible, and management need to bring alternative proposals to the table in early January if they want to avoid this as well.”

Equity said: "Negotiations will continue, and we hope that industrial action can be averted through talks with ENO management and a dignified agreement that protects the pay, terms and conditions of chorus members."

The plans, which had been discussed with Arts Council England prior to their announcement in October 2023, are a result of decreased funding for ENO since 2014, other financial challenges such as inflation and the cost of living crisis, and the instruction to Arts Council England from former Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries to move funding out of London.

Earlier in December, ENO management announced Manchester as a new base for some performances, wellbeing and learning activities.

MU National Organiser for Orchestras Jo Laverty said: “To date, there is no guarantee how much work or what type of work there will be for our members at the new base in Manchester.

“Without the orchestra, music staff and chorus, what are the audiences and communities in Manchester going to get? We absolutely want ENO to succeed in the new base but it is at risk of becoming a brand without enough substance to back it up.”