The London Coliseum, the current home of English National Opera

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Improved redundancy offer for backstage ENO workers

Backstage workers at English National Opera receive revised redundancy offer, which trade union Bectu is encouraging them to accept.

Patrick Jowett
2 min read

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (Bectu) is recommending its affected members working at English National Opera (ENO) accept an improved redundancy offer.

The union says it is pleased to have reached an “amicable settlement” after ENO improved its offer to its impacted members, following months of negotiation over proposed redundancies.

ENO first announced contract cuts to its technical staff in October. The changes included reducing the length of some contracts, reductions in hours and significant salary cuts for those working in background departments, including lighting and props, as well as decreasing the size of the number of technical teams. 

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At the time, Bectu said the plans would see 12 permanent full-time positions reduced to 20-week contracts, split over two seasons,

The union, which has supported its affected members working in technical roles throughout the process, says it is now balloting its members on the revised proposals.

“Bectu members and all those employed at ENO have faced an incredibly challenging and anxious time in the wake of brutal funding cuts, unconfirmed relocation plans and continued uncertainty,” said Bectu Head Philippa Childs.

“Throughout negotiations with ENO, we were focused on getting the best deal possible for our members in very difficult circumstances, and we’re really pleased that ENO has met our demands and that we can recommend the improved offer.”

Meanwhile, Bectu says it will continue to engage with ENO regarding the company’s planned move to Greater Manchester, and the impact on its members.

The announcement follows the suspension of a strike at the opera, less than two weeks after Equity members unanimously agreed on the action.

The union was protesting planned cuts to the opera’s chorus and orchestra, also announced last October.

As it announced the strike’s suspension, Equity said it had reached an interim settlement with ENO for the chorus. It added the suspension allows time for negotiations with the Musicians’ Union to be completed, and for ENO to confirm final details of both offers.