More than 70 jobs under threat at iconic Sydney arts venue

More than 70 workers who bring productions to life at the City Recital Hall Angel Place could lose their jobs as a result of a proposal before Sydney City Council.

On Monday City of Sydney Council will vote to set up a new not-for-profit organisation to manage the venue. If the not-for-profit entity is established there is no guarantee employees will keep their jobs, their length of service will be recognised or their pay and conditions will remain the same.

Mal Tulloch, Director of Entertainment, Crew and Sport at the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), says productions and audiences will suffer without the skills and experience of the long-serving staff.

“It would be an absolute travesty to see these loyal, hard-working, highly -skilled employees lose their jobs for no good reason. Between them they have decades of experience. Establishing a non-for-profit is a great initiative, it doesn’t have to mean short-sighted cost cutting.” says Tulloch.

Council member Linda Scott has thrown her support behind the Recital Hall workers. At today’s meeting she will call on Lord Mayor Clover Moore and City of Sydney Councillors to guarantee:

-Employment will continue with the new entity
-Length of service will be recognised
-Pay and conditions will remain the same

A recent review of the City Recital Hall suggested that the City of Sydney establish a not-for-profit organisation to run the recital hall in a bid to maximise philanthropic support and build programming links with other recital halls.

Scott says she supports the findings of the review but believes the non-for-profit can be established without axing workers or their entitlements.

“Establishing a non-for-profit organisation will allow this iconic venue to have a long and prosperous future.  That doesn’t mean we kick the employee’s to the curb. They are facing a great deal of uncertainty at the moment and I want to see that rectified immediately.” says Scott.

Front-of-house duty manager Susan Beynon has worked at the Recital Hall for 14 years.

“I love this venue and what it means to patrons and to the city. Working here every day is a privilege and I hope to continue doing so for many years to come. Front-of-house staff members just want some assurances that our jobs, our pay and our entitlements are going to be protected”.