Performers at West End theatres threaten strike action over pay and conditions
Performers at West End theatres threaten strike action over pay and conditions
Alan JonesWed, April 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM UTC
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Their union, Equity, said the aim was to move producers closer to a reasonable multi-year settlement on pay, terms, and conditions (Ian West/PA)
West End performers and stage management are set to vote on potential strike action, signalling a significant escalation in their dispute over pay and working conditions.
Their union, Equity, aims to push producers towards a "reasonable multi-year settlement" after negotiations with the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) stalled.
Talks, ongoing since last December, have been described as "constructive" but Equity asserts that current proposals do not meet its "reasonable expectations" concerning pay, holiday entitlement, rehearsal working time, injury provisions, and stage management differentials.
Around 1,000 performers and stage management staff, the majority of whom are Equity members, are covered by the collective agreement.
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They will now participate in an online ballot to indicate their willingness to implement Saturday strikes and an overtime ban, in a bid to secure improved terms.
Equity said it has not conducted an indicative ballot of this type in the West End since the 1980s.
General secretary Paul W Fleming said: “We hope a strong message from the workforce backing the core elements of our revised claim will support SOLT negotiators in moving their members to an acceptable settlement.
“Members and producers alike should be in no doubt that if a strong result in these ballots do not result in serious movement from SOLT, then a summer of disruption awaits.”
The ballot is consultative – another vote would have to be held before any industrial action.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
