Musicians from the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra have engaged in industrial action today, supported by the Musicians’ Union (MU). This protest, termed Action Short of Strike, involved the musicians distributing leaflets to the audience and donning campaign t-shirts instead of their usual concert attire during the opening night of the opera Rigoletto.
Demands for Fair Treatment
The musicians are urging WNO management, as well as the Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England, to maintain WNO as a full-time company, halt the proposed 15% pay cut, and agree to a sustainable funding package that would secure WNO’s future, including its touring capabilities. The urgency of these demands is underscored by recent funding challenges faced by the arts sector in Wales.
Call for Government Intervention
In light of the proposals that threaten the musical landscape and economic stability of Wales, the MU is actively lobbying both the Welsh and UK Governments to intervene. Their advocacy comes on the heels of the Welsh Government’s recent allocation of an additional £1.5 million to support arts organisations across Wales. The MU is calling on the Arts Council of Wales and the WNO to ensure that this funding is utilised to protect full-time, unionised jobs that are currently at risk within the WNO orchestra and chorus.
Community Support
Over 11,000 individuals have signed a petition initiated by the orchestra musicians to safeguard WNO. The campaign has received backing from members of the Senedd, as well as TUC Cymru and Wales TUC. The widespread support highlights the community’s commitment to preserving the cultural richness that WNO brings to the region.
Voices of Concern
Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, expressed gratitude for the recognition of the funding crisis facing arts organisations in Wales. “We appreciate the recognition of the funding challenges confronting Welsh arts organisations and the urgent need for additional support to safeguard musicians’ jobs in Wales. It is uplifting to see that the concerns of our members and the broader community advocating for WNO are being acknowledged,” she expressed.
Pohl emphasised the seriousness of the situation, noting that the decision to take industrial action was not made lightly. Our members are motivated by the possible consequences of management’s proposals on Welsh culture and its audiences, along with the effects on freelance musicians and their financial well-being.
The Impact of Proposed Changes
The implications of WNO management’s proposals could mean a significant reduction in opportunities to experience live opera in Wales and South West England. With the closure of the Welsh College of Music and Drama’s junior department and the ongoing closure of St David’s Hall, the landscape for musical activity in Wales is becoming increasingly barren. Pohl urges the Welsh Government to intervene if the Arts Councils cannot or will not act.
Future of WNO at Stake
Andy Warnock, MU Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England, highlighted that WNO has historically been funded through a combination of Arts Council England and Arts Council of Wales. “The initial and most significant cut by Arts Council England has unfortunately resulted in a reduction in WNO’s touring plans and proposed changes to pay and conditions,” Warnock noted.
Call to Action
Warnock expressed concern over the decline of musical opportunities for audiences, musicians, and young people. “There remains an opportunity for both the Wales and UK Governments to intervene and offer the necessary support to preserve WNO as a vital national cultural institution,” he remarked.
Jo Laverty, MU National Organiser for Orchestras, affirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for stable employment conditions for its members. “We absolutely refuse to let another opera orchestra be pushed into part-time and less stable employment,” she asserted.
The situation at WNO highlights the ongoing challenges faced by arts organisations and the urgent need for a sustainable funding model to ensure their survival.
