Bectu/UK Theatre Agreement
What is the Bectu / UK Theatre Agreement?
The Bectu/UK Theatre Agreement is the foundational national framework governing the minimum pay, terms and working conditions for non-performing and backstage staff at most commercial and subsidised theatres across the UK.
Negotiated by Bectu and UK Theatre (UKT), the organisation representing theatre employers, this collective bargaining agreement establishes the baseline of rates and standards for theatre workers who work in venues operated by UKT member bodies.
Why is the Agreement changing?
Over the past 18 months, Bectu has been negotiating with UK Theatre to update the Agreement to ensure it is fit for a modern theatre industry and workforce.
Bectu aimed to secure sustainable and long-term change which provides a better work/life balance for members, through a higher guaranteed basic pay and less reliance on working unsocial hours for premium payments.
Bectu has separate collective agreements covering the West End (Bectu/SOLT Agreement) and small-scale independent theatre companies (Bectu/ITC Agreement).
Which roles are covered by the Agreement?
The Agreement covers theatre staff working in the following roles:
- Box office
- Administration
- Technical staff
- Front of House
- Performance and firemen
- Stage door
- Catering staff
- Cleaners
- Casual staff
- Support staff (including chaperones)
- Wigs and wardrobe
How do I know if my venue or employer falls under the Agreement?
All current UK Theatre member organisations are listed below.
Can I get terms and conditions above the Bectu / UK Theatre Agreement minimums?
In short, yes.
Bectu members are organised at several UKT venues and have achieved union recognition and/or negotiated house agreements, i.e. agreements pertaining to working at that specific venue.
Where these house agreements exist, members should assess how the terms and conditions compare to those in the Bectu / UK Theatre Agreement. The Bectu branch at that venue can then consult with the employer if members want any changes.
Union recognition is achievable with a majority of staff in your union and is the best way of negotiating improvements to your pay, terms and conditions.
Read this blog post about what union recognition is:
You can find out more about unionising your venue by contacting your Bectu official or the Arts & Entertainment Division via a&[email protected].
What happens next?
Bectu reps and members across UKT venues will be invited to meetings to discuss the proposals.
You will then be asked to vote on accepting the agreement via a formal ballot in mid-June.
Members can find useful information below:
You will need to be logged in to access the documents.
Questions?
Meeting invites will be emailed to members. All Bectu members working at UKT venues are encouraged to attend.
You can also direct questions to your venue rep, Bectu official, or to a&[email protected].
How can I get more involved if I’m already a Bectu member?
Recruit your colleagues to your union
For help recruiting, contact your Bectu official or check out these resources:
- Watch this session delivered by Bectu organisers for advice on talking about your union to colleagues
- Read: Your guide to talking about your union
Help make sure colleagues vote
Make sure colleagues know that the ballot will open soon and why it’s important they vote.
Become a Bectu rep
If your venue needs a Bectu rep, could you take on the role? Or do you know a colleague who you think would make a good rep?
Already a rep?