Arts Centre Melbourne workers strike over pay as cultural policy clash looms
For the first time in many years, union members at Arts Centre Melbourne (ACM) have started protected industrial action focused on their pay and working conditions. In the past month, they've handed out leaflets to audiences and even interrupted a performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Just last week, they staged a 30-minute work stoppage before another MSO concert. Negotiations between ACM management and unions, including the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, have reached a standstill, with over 95% of union members backing the action. Since 2022, wages have fallen 10% behind inflation, and almost 40% of workers are on minimum award rates. The management's 3% wage increase, matching the Victorian government’s limit, is seen as a cut in real wages. Unions are calling on Vicki Ward, the Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, for better funding and real pay increases.
Key facts
- Union members at Arts Centre Melbourne are taking protected industrial action for the first time in decades.
- Workers have leafleted audiences and interrupted a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performance to raise awareness.
- Last week, union members stopped work for 30 minutes ahead of an MSO performance.
- Negotiations stalled between ACM management and unions including MEAA, CPSU Victoria, and ETU.
- More than 95% of union members voted in favor of protected industrial action.
- ACM staff wages have fallen 10% behind inflation since 2022, and nearly 40% are paid at minimum award rate.
- Management offered a 3% pay increase, in line with Victorian government wage cap, but workers call it a real wage cut.
- Victorian state funding for arts has reduced by over $20 million since 2022.
- Unions petition Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward for increased funding and real pay rise.
- Historical disputes include 1944 Actors Equity strike, 1981 Stage Crisis Day, and 2014-2015 Brandis raids.
Entities
Artists
- Mel Gibson
- John Bell
- David Williamson
- Izabella Nantsou
Institutions
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- 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
- University of Sydney
- The Conversation
- ScreenHub
- ArtsHub
- Creative Futures Fund
- Brisbane Festival
- Erth
- Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
- Powerhouse Parramatta
- Ausfilm
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Victoria
- Sydney
- New South Wales