Royal Opera House staff to receive pay rise and cost of living payment following Bectu negotiations
Bectu has secured a pay increase for its members working at London’s Royal Opera House (ROH).
Following four months of negotiations with the ROH, Bectu members voted to accept an offer that includes a minimum 4% pay increase. The increase will be backdated to September 2022.
The pay rise is underpinned by a commitment that no individual will receive less than a £1500 (pro rata to FTE hours) uplift to their pay.
This underpin means half of Bectu members at the ROH will receive more than 4%, and the average increase within this cohort is 5.2% Some staff such as ushers, dressers, and retail staff will receive a 6.4% increase to their hourly rate, meaning all Bectu represented grades will be paid above the London Living Wage.
The ROH has also agreed to pay all eligible permanent and fixed term contract staff a further £400 non-consolidated lump sum in recognition of the exceptional circumstances presented by the current cost of living crisis (this will be payable pro rata for those on part time contracts).
Abolishing the requirement to work one bank holiday a year at flat rate, ROH has agreed to pay staff the premium rate for all bank and public holidays worked.
Bectu National Secretary Noel McClean said:
“At a time when the UK’s cultural sector is in crisis and its workers continue to battle soaring costs, we are doing everything we can to support our members. Throughout negotiations we prioritised insulating those least able to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. We are pleased to have negotiated the £1500 minimum underpin as it will make a real difference to our lowest paid members.
“The Royal Opera House is one of the jewels in the crown of London’s cultural scene. It’s only right that its hardworking staff are recognised fairly for their time and talents. Our members also frequently work on bank holidays, sacrificing family and leisure time. We’re really pleased the pay deal recognises their commitment.
“We appreciate the financial pressures venues like the ROH are under following the pandemic and the recent Arts Council England funding cuts. We are pleased that despite these challenging economic conditions we have been able to secure a package that is acceptable to our members.