Equity, the performing arts and entertainment industry, has called for strike action at the Welsh National Opera.

The strike is set to take place on Sept. 21, 2024 during the opening night performance of “Rigoletto” with subsequent strikes set for Sept. 29 performance of “Il Trittico” and Oct. 11’s “Opera Favourites at the Movies.”

The announcement follows a 93 percent yes vote from chorus members on Sept. 5, 2024. The strike vote came in reaction to the Welsh National Opera management proposing to cut the size and hours of the hours of the chorus while also calling for a 15 percent pay cut. Equity is calling for full-time wages, a full-time chorus, and no compulsory redundancies, which were a possibility under managements plan.

“Taking strike action is unprecedented among the Welsh National Opera chorus and it’s not a decision taken lightly. Singers are not prepared to be cast aside in management proposals which would catastrophically harm this Welsh cultural icon,” said Paul W. Fleming, Equity General Secretary. “WNO needs to realize that the chorus is a key asset and come to the negotiating table so we can agree a way forwards that works for the WNO, the chorus and future productions.”