Arts Centre Melbourne Workers Strike for Fair Pay Amid Funding Crisis
Employees at Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM) have conducted several 24-hour strikes amid negotiations for an enterprise agreement, marking the first union-led industrial action in many years. These strikes, safeguarded by Australia’s Fair Work Act 2009, have led to disruptions in significant ACM performances. Workers are advocating for a 7% salary increase following a 1% raise in April 2025, while management has proposed a maximum of 3%. Union representatives Allie Imlach (CPSU) and Luke Bryant (MEAA) have criticized the stringent strike regulations in Australia. Labour law scholars Professor Shae McCrystal and Professor Andrew Stewart pointed out that Australian laws are among the most limiting worldwide. An article from ArtsHub highlights the legalities of protected actions and the importance of collective narratives for arts workers pursuing change.
Key facts
- Arts Centre Melbourne employees have staged multiple 24-hour strikes over pay and a new enterprise agreement.
- Workers are asking for a 7% wage increase; ACM has offered no more than 3%.
- The last wage increase was 1% in April 2025.
- This is the first industrial action by union members at ACM in decades.
- Protected industrial action in Australia requires meeting strict criteria under the Fair Work Act 2009.
- The International Labour Organisation has found Australian strike laws inconsistent with international labour standards.
- Striking workers include CPSU delegate Allie Imlach and MEAA delegate Luke Bryant.
- The strikes have impacted major ACM shows and garnered national attention.
Entities
Artists
- Allie Imlach
- Luke Bryant
- Shae McCrystal
- Andrew Stewart
- Sam Oldham
- Charlotte Smee
- Bob Brown
- Mel Gibson
- John Bell
- David Williamson
- Izabella Nantsou
- Macy Gray
- Adam Portelli
- Alannah Sue
- Diana Carroll
- Leah Purcell
- Henry Lawson
- Leah J. Williams
- Steven Mitchell Wright
- Stephen A Russell
- Vicki Ward
- Jack Holloway
- George Brandis
Institutions
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- CPSU
- MEAA
- The Age
- Fair Work Commission
- University of Sydney
- Queensland University of Technology
- International Labour Organisation
- United Nations
- Victorian Government
- Australian Unions
- Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
- ACTU Institute
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
- The Conversation
- Bob Brown Foundation
- Time Out Sydney
- Kaleidoscope Arts Journal
- Limelight
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
- Community and Public Sector Union Victoria
- Electrical Trades Union
- Actors Equity of Australia
- J. C. Williamson's
- Melbourne Tramways and Omnibus Employees Association
- NSW Trades and Labour Council
- Theatre Royal
- Biennale of Sydney
- Transfield
- Australia Council
- Creative Futures Fund
- Brisbane Festival
- Erth
- Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
- Powerhouse Parramatta
- Ausfilm
- Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance
- Community and Public Sector Union
- Creative Hubs Group
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra
- Victorian Labor Party
- Sydney Theatre Royal
- Opera House
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Victoria
- Sydney
- Queensland
- Tasmania
- Takayna
- New South Wales