Entertainment workers’ union says cuts to weekend pay are not on
Workers in the entertainment and arts industries who work on weekends face substantial cuts to their pay under recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s review into the workplace system, says their union, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
MEAA CEO Paul Murphy said the union would oppose any moves by the Abbott Government to adopt the recommendation to cut Sunday penalty rates.
Mr Murphy said workers in cinemas, theatres, and at sporting venues were usually paid penalty rates under their award or agreement on Sundays.
These are among the most important and popular days in the week for sport and entertainment.
In some sectors, such as the racing industry, aligning Sunday penalty rates with Saturday’s could mean a halving of pay on a Sunday.
“Venue workers are not highly paid by any standards, and penalty rates make up an important component of their pay,” Mr Murphy said.
“These are among the most profitable days of the week for entertainment and sporting venues and these workers are giving up their weekends to help other people enjoy theirs.
“Reducing their penalty rates on Sunday will be a substantial pay cut.
“MEAA will stand with the rest of the union movement in opposing cuts to workers’ pay and creating a two-tier workforce.”
For more information please contact Lauren Katsikitis 0422 758 932 lauren.katsikitis@meaa.org
Entertainment workers’ union says cuts to weekend pay are not on
Workers in the entertainment and arts industries who work on weekends face substantial cuts to their pay under recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s review into the workplace system, says their union, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
Last update: October 22, 2015
