Arts workers reach pay raise milestone

A landmark union coordination by Arts Centre Melbourne workers has concluded with an offer that includes increased job security and a pay increase above the state government’s public sector wage cap.

Further to an initial 30-minute stop-work and two 24-hour strikes, Arts Centre Melbourne workers have voted in favour of a landmark 13 per cent pay rise as part of a new enterprise agreement that will also see workers receive a one-time payment of $4,350.

Up from the original offer of a 3 per cent pay rise per year, campaigners accepted a 5 per cent annual wage increase for the first year and 4 per cent for each of the next two years.

While unions initially pushed for a higher wage increase to account for wages falling increasingly behind inflation, the raise combined with the cash injection is anticipated to provide cost-of-living relief to staff most commonly on the lowest pay band.

In addition, workers will receive improved entitlements, including access to reproductive health, disability and gender affirmation leave, and will no longer need to complete a parental leave qualification period.

Similarly, the agreement dictates enhanced provisions for job security, fatigue management and weekend and public holiday work, and affordable staff parking.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Nicki Ward told ArtsHub: “This is a great outcome for workers and audiences.”

According to the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) – one of three unions that rallied behind striking Arts Centre Melbourne workers – the win is the result of coordinated and targeted union action.

MEAA acting chief executive Adam Portelli said: “They sent a clear message that the people who bring arts and culture to life deserve fair pay and decent conditions.”

He added: “By standing together, workers broke through the Victorian government’s wages policy and managed to achieve a really strong result.”

The agreement will impact a range of professionals, including ushers, hospitality staff, customer service representatives, box office workers, technicians, stage managers, and rigging and backstage crew.

Portelli said: “This is a big win for members who refused to accept that doing the job they love meant earning a wage that doesn’t keep up with the cost of living.”

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