LPA 'sets the record straight' on new performers collective agreement

With negotiations on a new performers collective agreement (PCA) having stalled and theatrical productions set to be leafletted by trade union delegates in the new year, Live Performance Australia (LPA) has released advice on its negotiation with the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA).

In their a campaign to lift the pay of about 6,000 actors and dancers along with protections against workplace fatigue and stability of employment, the dispute is set to see theatregoers targeted by MEAA member outside Australian performance venues as of January.

In response, LPA has issued a position on the negotiations, “setting the record straight” about what it says is a “generous pay increase which MEAA has not accepted on behalf of their members”.

The statement advises that LPA “supports a fair pay rise for all performers (but that) we also recognise the difficulties faced by performers and the producers of theatre in Australia during COVID.

“At that time, in 2020, more than three years ago, LPA approached the MEAA with a generous pay offer and request to commence PCA negotiations, but MEAA declined to negotiate with us.

“Now in the midst of a cost of living crisis, LPA has offered another generous pay increase.”

LPA advises of “key facts about the PCA negotiations” and that it has offered:

• A 15.6% increase over three years (4.6% already agreed, took effect on 1 January 2023)

• increase to Sunday penalty rates

• A further 5% on 1 July 2023, 3% on 1 July 2024, and 3% on 1 July 2025

It adds “had MEAA reached an agreement (or responded to LPA in a timely manner) performers could have received a 9.6% pay increase this calendar year, in addition to increases to Sunday rates, wage increases proposed for 2024 and 2025 and other improved conditions.”

In detail, LPA’s offer:

• Delivers a $60 per week pay increase for performers on the minimum rates of pay and in rehearsal

• Is above the 3% proposed by the MEAA (which only offers an additional $35 per week for the lowest paid performers), and

• Ensures that the lowest paid performers will benefit from the increase and that pay rates are increased fairly over time

With the most recent figures released by the Fair Work Commission and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations showing that bargained private sector wages increased by 3.8% over the last year, LPA adds that its offer “is two and a half times that”.

The Performers Collective Agreement
The Performers Collective Agreement (PCA) is an industry framework agreement that sets out wage rates and conditions of employment for performers in the live performance industry. It is then used by different employers in their individual workplace or productions.

Typically, when a final agreement Is negotiated between Live Performance Australia (LPA), collectively representing employers, and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), the agreement is implemented in each workplace or production through agreement between the individual employer and the MEAA.

PCA and the Live Performance Award
Where there is no PCA in place, performers and other workers are employed under the Live Performance Award 2020 (Award).

Employers can offer higher rates of pay or more generous conditions than those specified in the PCA or the Award, but they cannot provide less than the minimum conditions.

The Fair Work Commission is not permitted to approve a PCA that provides wages and conditions which are inferior to those of the Award.  The PCA provides higher rates of pay and more generous leave conditions than the Award.

There have been six PCAs negotiated between LPA and the MEAA since they were introduced in 1996.

For more information go to the LPA website at www.liveperformance.com.au

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