Bectu update on SOLT offer

Bectu is recommending that members in London’s West End vote to accept the revised pay offer from the Society of London Theatres (SOLT) following extensive negotiations.

Following consultation with Bectu representatives earlier this year, Bectu submitted a claim for 11% consolidated increase and a proposal that SOLT agree in principle to extend the scope of the SOLT/Bectu agreement, which covers West End theatres in London, to include grades that are not currently included.

Although the Covid Variation Agreement currently remains in operation, SOLT previously responded to the pay claim proposing a 10% increase to the minimum rates in the agreement, but with a number of unacceptable strings attached to the pay offer. Bectu members overwhelmingly voted to reject the pay offer and Bectu is now running a consultative ballot on the revised offer, closing 12.00 noon Friday 19 August 2022. Further information has been sent to affected members via email.

Key features of the revised offer

10% pay offer

The proposal is to increase the minimum rates by 10%. Bectu is pleased that through negotiation SOLT has agreed to pay the increase on the Monday immediately following acceptance of the offer.

Sunday working  

Under the current terms of the Covid Variation Agreement, the Sunday provision of 0.5T on top with no opt out remains in force until 30 June 2023. In the original pay offer, SOLT presented that provision as a permanent change. Through negotiation, the proposal is to extend the Sunday provision of 0.5T on top with no opt out for a further 15 weeks than originally agreed, until 15 October 2023.

The Sunday variation is extremely unpopular with Bectu members and we have been clear with SOLT that our members expect Sundays to revert back to 1T on top, with the ability to opt out.

Force Majeure

The revised offer proposes the current force majeure clause, which is restricted to Covid or any other similar epidemic or pandemic (as determined by a public authority) to remain in place until 31 March 2023 only and then fall away in its entirety. This is a marked improvement from the original proposal in that it is time limited and restricted, rather than being able to be rolled out at any future date.

Bectu will be providing comprehensive advice and guidance on the force majeure clause to ensure that it is being operated correctly and we will also run sessions and issue guidance on special technical requirements; how to negotiate them; and provide guidance on the rates that Bectu recommends members should be seeking.

Other parts of the variation agreement

If the pay offer is accepted, then all other aspects of the variation agreement will fall away on the Monday immediately following acceptance. These are:

• The ability to pro rata pay based on the number of performances as a result of Covid down to a minimum of 5/8 in any one week
• The TV broadcast and filming clause in the SOLT/Bectu agreement will apply again
• The removal of bonuses under special technical requirements will be removed and members can re-negotiate these to be reinstated, or for new shows post Covid, able to negotiate locally to get bonus’ introduced where appropriate

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“We’re pleased to have secured this revised offer from SOLT, which represents substantial improvements from the original pay offer and removes most of the unacceptable strings attached. Our members agreed to a number of Covid variations to help the industry survive at a time of crisis and it is right that we now move to an improved agreement that appropriately rewards their skills and talents, and seeks to improve some of the work/life balance issues rife in theatre. In the midst of a theatre talent drain, coupled with the cost of living crisis, this offer represents a welcome increase to our members’ pay.

“Bectu will continue to review and negotiate improvements to the agreement to ensure it’s fit for purpose and appropriate for a modern workforce. We know that work/life balance, 6-day working, an opt out on Sunday working, and extending the scope of the agreement to cover grades not currently included are key concerns for our members, and addressing these will be critical to ensure a thriving West End that is fit for the future.”

For media enquiries contact Josie Emanuel: [email protected]