Welsh National Opera strike plans 'paused' after productive pay row talks

Planned strikes by Welsh National Opera (WNO) chorus members have been put on hold following talks over a dispute about cuts.

Equity announced that strikes set for September 21 and 29 will not proceed after "productive discussions" with WNO management. However, a strike is still scheduled for October 11, and chorus members will continue with action short of a strike throughout the season as initially planned.

Equity said: "A deal has not yet been reached and despite pausing strike action at this time, the chorus continue to be concerned about the implications and any implementation of management's current proposals."

"The pause will allow time for further talks to take place with the hope of reaching an agreement with WNO management which addresses core concerns over job losses, pay cuts and compulsory redundancies."

Simon Curtis, Equity Wales official, stated, "We're encouraged by recent positive engagement from WNO management so far, which is why our members made the decision to pause strike action. However, we are not out of the woods yet and an agreement ensuring the jobs and livelihoods of the chorus has not been reached."