CORRIE stars have threatened to strike over pay cuts — in scenes which would make union firebrand Mick Lynch proud.
Its cast members — and those from ITV’s other big soap Emmerdale — have taken inspiration from Coronation Street’s former feisty landlady Bet Lynch and got union Equity to fight for them.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has also waded in to help calm the Cobbles.
Stars were stunned ten days ago when an email told them they are expected to agree to hefty pay reductions due to filming fewer scenes amid cost cutting.
Some are claiming they will lose around a sixth of their income in what is being called a football-style “pay-as-you-play” deal.
Sources have told The Sun on Sunday Equity plans to ballot over strike action.
An insider revealed: “This is a major crisis. The actors and actresses of both Corrie and Emmerdale are furious.
“Some have been in tears and are worrying about paying their mortgages.”
Ms Nandy was called in by a veteran cast member, with political sources describing the cabinet minister as “very concerned”.
They say she will also be holding discussions with Equity chiefs.
It is understood some of the longest-serving stars will be protected due to cast iron older style contracts.
Coronation Street currently has a cast of around 80, with Emmerdale approximately 60.
Pay ranges between the top earners on £250,000 a year, with newcomers more likely to earn £40,000 to £80,000 on deals which pay per episode, with a guaranteed minimum number of appearances.
Our source added: “An email went out from ITV management telling 140-odd actors and their agents simultaneously that all new contracts are being cut by a sixth from August.
“It’s caused uproar. There was no consultation. They effectively told the stars to ‘take it or leave it’.”
The unprecedented prospect of a strike crippling two of Britain’s big three soaps comes at a delicate moment for the broadcaster as it holds talks with Sky’s US owner, Comcast, over a £1.6billion takeover.
Major and prolonged industrial action could even see the shows off the air in a disaster for ITV chiefs.
And it comes in the week ITV posted pre-tax profits of £534million on its £4.1billion turnover.
ITV confirmed the changes will be implemented.
Ex-RMT union boss Mick Lynch was a thorn in the government’s side during the train strikes of 2022-23.
