Chorus members of the English National Opera have agreed to strike action at the beginning of next month in a dispute over proposed changes to their employment. They voted unanimously in favour in a ballot held by their union Equity.
The singers join Musicians’ Union members in the ENO’s orchestra and other music roles, who voted 92% in favour of striking last month. The first day of the strike is set to coincide with the opening night of the ENO’s production of ‘The Handmaid's Tale’, which will be cancelled if a resolution cannot be reached.
ENO management announced plans last year to make chorus members, orchestra and music staff redundant. Most would then be reemployed, but only for six months of the year, while some orchestra members have been offered only ad hoc freelance work.
The decision to implement the cuts came after a reduction in Arts Council funding forced the company’s 2024 opera season to be reduced. However, say the Musicians’ Union and Equity - which represents the chorus members - the changes to their employment are “disproportionate, unsustainable for our members at the ENO and show disregard for the artistic workforce”.
“It gives me no pleasure to vote for strike action”, says chorus member and union rep Ronald Nairne. “I joined the ENO Chorus to sing, and to share opera with as many people as possible”.
“Management’s proposals to fire and rehire me and my colleagues with a 40% salary cut and worsened working conditions will make remaining in the chorus unsustainable for many”, he continues. “I voted yes to taking strike action to force our management to reconsider their plans and come up with a different, more creative model that protects the workforce”.
If the strike goes ahead, it will be the first time Musicians’ Union members have taken such action since 1980.