Support staff at a leading music education institute in Leeds are set to walk out on Friday (27 March) in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.
Workers at Leeds Conservatoire, including performance assistants and studio technicians, staged a two-day walkout last month unhappy at what they say are broken promises over pay and holidays.
Following a restructure three years ago, many employees were transferred out of direct employment by the conservatoire to provider Luminate Education Group. UNISON says this resulted in some staff receiving lower pay and fewer holidays.
Those remaining on Leeds Conservatoire contracts were told their pay would match that of staff transferred to Luminate. However, they’ve received worse pay offers and have less annual leave.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Brendan Cafferty said: “Staff feel let down after being told their pay would match their colleagues, only for that not to be the case.
“Despite doing the same jobs as staff with Luminate contracts, they’re on lower pay with fewer holidays.
“Nobody wants to take strike action. But Conservatoire bosses must act and ensure parity for staff.”
Notes:
– Staff will walk out from 9am on Friday (27 March).
– A picket line will be in place outside the entrance to Leeds Conservatoire on St Peter’s Square, Leeds, LS2 7PD.
– In June 2023, as part of a restructure, the conservatoire announced it would follow the pay recommendations of the Luminate Education Group. Since then, those employed on contracts with the conservatoire have been made lower pay offers than those on contracts with Luminate.
