Ballet Battle

Labrug | 27/02/2007 - 10:53

The WA Ballet is facing a battle for better pay. And why not, when over half of the dancers earn less than $40 000/year. With current inflation rates and rising costs across the board, it is surprising there hasn't been more of this sooner. Apparently the Department of Culture and the Arts (DCA) don't want to have anything to do with it saying they were not responsible. Without extra funding, the company will not be able to meet the demands for a payrise and the most likely result will be strike action.

Personally I thought that developing culture was a prime concern of the DCA. Maybe I am wrong there. Arts Minister Ms McHale is prepared to meet with the management of WA Ballet, and while that is going on the dancers will be meeting to vote on further action.

A recent request for more funding was meant to have been finalised in December last year. This has been delayed until May 2007, for the time being. Yet the statement is that an increase for salaries was not in the original request. Maybe not, that shouldn't exclude them now however.

Michael Sinclair from the MEAA stated that a small amount of funding, "less than $200 000 over the next 18 months," would see an end to the argument. How was it ever allowed to go this far?

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No one wants to fund

Author: Na
Date: 27/02/2007 - 19:04

No one wants to fund theatre any more - film and TV is more interesting, and I think if you had the words 'new media' in any proposal, you'd get funding.

Then again, our Government doesn't seem to want anything to do with arts funding.

Maybe there should be a survey of the number of companies going bust lately? And the issues of increasing costs and pay problems?

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It depends on the funding.

Author: Labrug
Date: 28/02/2007 - 07:54

It depends on the funding. New plush buildings are the prefered things, not that I am complaining about that mind you. Eye-wink

On the other hand, there have been quite a few statements about the stuggle of theatre in Australia, many from high ranking pollies!

How long does it take to cut through pollie red-tape I wonder?

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
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Opera co.

Author: Neville Talbot
Date: 28/02/2007 - 16:01

Whilst not nearly as dire, and apparently seeming to be on the way to resolution is the WA Opera Chorus contracts.
Chorus members there (myself included) are still employed under the 1998-2000 certified agreement. For more than 3 years this agreement was superceded by the award (the minimum legal wage) until a small membership of the chorus kicked up a fuss last year.
The co. agreed to go up to the award rate as of the start of last year (the legal minimum I will point out again), but refused to even enter into discussion of back-payment to chorus for being underpaid FOR THREE YEARS.
When I raised this issue again upon being furnished my 2007 contract, I was informed that it was all the union's fault for not renoegotiating a new agreement, and the WAO was more than happy to point out they were paying the award rate, which, being more than the cert agreement was "more than they legally had to". This of course is completely untrue, though new industrial legislation may make it possible from now on.

However, the administration continues to expand, and I remain sure that admin payrises continue. Meanwhile the very people upon whom the co. relies to exist- it's singers- are still waiting for new agreements to be ratified.
(we are talking increases of more than $5/hr reh rate, and $30-40 per performance)

In the union's defense, there is virtually no union membership in the chorus (maybe 4 or 5), so in essence it's our own fault. They began negotiating on our behalf anyway at the start of last year, despite almost no union membership, but serious illness to our union man stopped this. To my knowledge this is where discussions stopped.

When my concerns were raised late last year I was accused of being 'aggressive' and of misleading the chorus as to the facts, and basically that the entire problem was the union's fault. I've only been a member since last year, so haven't been underpaid thankfully.

A new agreement is apparently in the process of being ratified, and this should resolve the issue for all singers soon, but I do wonder if several brave members of the chorus had not kicked up a stink last year if we'd even be close to this?

It raises a couple of issues for me:
1. Join your union, do not presume that because you work for an arts organisation that it will function any differently to any other business.
2. Why are companies allowed by their funding bodies to not build in pay increases for their artists in their budgets? In essence the govt is supporting systems that leave artists underpaid. It's planning to screw artists...
3. If you are in this position, how do you convince your colleagues, many of whom are very young and inexperienced, to join the union so that you can actually get something to happen?

Interested in feedback...

Nev
It's the simple things stupid...

1. Who can afford to be

Author: Na
Date: 28/02/2007 - 18:55

1. Who can afford to be part of the union? At my last quote, MEAA said I would have to pay around $300 per year - too much for my budget! Yes, I agree, join the union; I just wish it was less expensive.
2. We must remember that there are producer lobbyists (Performance Live Australia, formerly AEIA) who try to keep award rates lower, and would presumably market their issues to relevant Government people.
3. See above.

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ballet battle

Author: drue
Date: 28/02/2007 - 21:14

I am under no delusions that I know anything much about politics, however I just wanted to voice my support for the company. I have seen some of their works including the recent "Ballet at the Quarry" and they were outstanding. Absolutely world class and the whole situation is apalling.

From the MEAA

Author: Labrug
Date: 01/03/2007 - 07:22

A request for information from the MEAA has resulted in clarification and the following leaflet.

WA Ballet dancers paid a pittance

Did you know:
·          Most WA Ballet dancers earn less than $765 a week (gross).
·          WA’s best ballet dancers – with at least eight years’ experience – take home just $634 a week (after tax).
·          Some cleaners earn $100 a week more than even our most talented and experienced WA ballet dancers.
Did you know:
·          The WA Ballet Company agrees dancers deserve more pay.
·          The State Government admits dancers’ pay is too low.
·          The Company claims it can’t afford an extra $140,000 over two years to pay WA Ballet dancers properly.
·          The State boasts a record Budget surplus of $2.2 billion.
·          ArtsWA refuses to provide extra funds for the WA Ballet.
What can you do?
If you think ballet is important, you can:
·          Sign the WA Ballet dancers’ petition (circulating tonight) - Obviously not here (Labrug)
·          Email your concern to Arts Minister Sheila McHale at: sheilam@mp.wa.gov.au
·          Raise it with MPs, government officials, business colleagues, community leaders and friends at the ballet.
·          Tell the dancers you support their claim.
·          Call out ‘More Pay for Dancers’ in your applause.

I wonder if there be anything else that could be added to the list? Without getting illegal that is Eye-wink

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
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Fight/Sword Choreographer
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in fairness

Author: Neville Talbot
Date: 01/03/2007 - 14:37

I notice that Artswa is copping a lot of the flak for this.
Whilst as per my previous statements I don't endorse budgeting to underpay staff, ArtsWA does have a finite amount of money. They probably literally don't have the money to pay, even if there was the political will to...

At the end of the day, like all departments, Ministry of Culture & the Arts answer to the minister and implement the minister's will. The minister in turn pretty much does what the cabinet says. The cabinet goes with what will get the party reelected. Public opinion.

At this point in time, paying ballet dancers properly (let alone well) is not enough of a vote winner. Hopefully this campaign will change this. If it does, the machine will take appropriate actions...

Democracy is really very simple, so keep agitating people!

and on the subject of expensive union dues- The money I received from a gig several years back in a dispute with a producer (that non-unionists did not receive) paid my dues for the next 3 years. The mere possibility of being screwed and having that legal and organisational support behind you makes it an investment that no serious performer should dismiss lightly.
As a professional performer (such as an opera Co. member or WASo/Ballet/ any other pro company) it's almost inexcusable to not get behind your union. If you don't (you're being paid enough), you get what you deserve- i.e. under award rates for instance...

Put it this way- just a couple of hours of a decent lawyer's time, should you need it, will not come in at much less than the $300 you mention. I'm also sure that very few of us balk at paying much more than that for various insurances. I think of my union dues as insurance against being screwed over by unscrupulous 'people'.
and $300= less than $1 per day.

Hit the streets!

Nev

It's the simple things stupid...

I agree; joining the union

Author: Na
Date: 01/03/2007 - 15:29

I agree; joining the union is a must - I simply cross my fingers I'll never need representation... but for someone who does not get regular paid work in the industry, it doesn't balance out. I spend most of the money I earn to make more shows (where I lose it). I'm not a performer, so I can't say anything about that, but as a techie, it is very difficult to gain long-term paid work; I've bounced from companies to companies, usually doing casual work. In the end $300 would be less than what I've received.

This is unfortunate, because most of my work lately has been as a journalist, which would still be paid via MEAA, but under a different union banner. The quote I was given included both journalism and performing arts membership, which was good, but still out of my budget range.

Sad to say it, but I hope that if I ever need a lawyer, I will call up Arts Law and use their free advice - and then if needed, get them to suggest someone I could talk to for fee.

I don't dismiss MEAA lightly - rather I wish I had the money to pay for it. Every year I ask myself 'should I join', and every year I don't because of the high cost. I really don't like the idea that I'm not a part of the union. I really don't like that I'm not represented, or that I can't rely on getting involved on union actions.

My only insurance right now is my own intelligence to check people out before agreeing to anything... which isn't good enough I know. Sad

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I am a member

Author: Logos
Date: 01/03/2007 - 14:52

of the Theatricals branch of MEAA. I was a theatrical (ATEAA) before they all combined. As I do not earn a great proportion of my earnings fron this work I pay (I think) about $19.00 a month. My partner who has remained an Equity member despite more or less giving up pro acting pays a miniscule amount.
I agree with Neville, get behind your Union. I am currently a member of three unions or professional associations and intend to remain so.
If we lose our unions we lose any possibility of collective bargaining and strength in numbers. We are left with individual contracts we have to sign whether we like it or not. John Howards dream of the future will come one step closer.

Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
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ballet battle

Author: drue
Date: 08/03/2007 - 22:55

just wondering if there has been any resolution or further action taken??? anyone?

There's a story about this

Author: sarahlim
Date: 09/03/2007 - 08:06

There's a story about this in today's West Australian on page 7.

I'll follow up with this

Author: Labrug
Date: 09/03/2007 - 15:36

I haven't read the article myself (off ill) but I shall follow up with the MEAA and find out any progress.

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
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who can also sing and dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
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Ballet pay deal averts

Author: West Online Reader (not verified)
Date: 09/03/2007 - 15:49

Ballet pay deal averts walkout
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=8876

9th March 2007, 6:00 WST

The State’s finest dancers have won their fight for more pay after the State Government yesterday guaranteed WA Ballet the money it needed to give them a pay rise.

Alan Carpenter said he had been working with Arts Minister Sheila McHale to resolve the dispute since the dancers threatened to go on strike last week.

“I believe the ballet dancers are underpaid,” the Premier said. “Their pay claim is more than justified.”

The pledge enabled WA Ballet management to avert a two-hour walkout by dancers before last night’s Ballet at the Quarry show by agreeing to a 7-10 per cent annual rise over two years

The deal will lift a junior dancer’s pay from $647 a week to $741 and a senior’s from $822 a week to $994.

Sixteen of the 21 dancers voted last week to strike for the first time in the WA Ballet’s 54-year history, casting a pall over the last days of the Perth International Arts Festival.

The State will underwrite the WA Ballet’s reserve funds by up to $155,000 so the company can meet its higher salaries budget.

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance secretary Michael Sinclair-Jones said the dancers were delighted by the deal but it was a pity they had been pushed to the brink of a walkout.

Dancer Emma Sandall said the deal would help attract new talent and give existing dancers an incentive to stay and contribute to the company.

“Besides the lifestyle in Perth, there hasn’t been a great reason for dancers to stay when they can get paid better elsewhere,” she said.

WA Ballet chairman Michael Chappell said he was delighted that the dancers’ skill, training and dedication could be recognised properly.

But the company’s long-term sustainability depended upon a stronger base-funding model and more support from business and philanthropists.

WA Ballet has been hit by the theft of more than $80,000 worth of stage equipment from the Quarry Amphitheatre. Five speakers worth $15,000 each, two $300 radio microphones and stage lights were among the items that went missing.

STEPHEN BEVIS and KATIE HAMPSON

Fantastic news about the

Author: Na
Date: 09/03/2007 - 16:44

Fantastic news about the pay rise - bad news about the theft.

One wonders though; what about all the other companies that suffer from underpaying?

It doesn't solve the long-term problem affecting the industry on a whole.

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Marred by Theft

Author: Labrug
Date: 10/03/2007 - 17:07

If it wasn't for the theft, this would be a wonderful result for the hardworking dancers.

Hats off and congrats to the team at Ballet WA.

Absit invidia

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Fight/Sword Choreographer
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Better late than never

Author: Labrug
Date: 04/05/2007 - 11:40

Just browsing the Web and stumbled across this official statement from DCA. Bit late in the day I know, but what the hay...

8/3/07

Dancers from the West Australian Ballet will receive significant pay rises as a result of funding support from the State Government.

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale today announced the Government would guarantee the required funds to ensure dancers were granted the pay rise they deserved.

“The dancers have been historically underpaid and I believe their pay claim is justified,” Ms McHale said.

“The agreement allows for a pay increase to the dancers’ salaries of between seven and 10 per cent, acknowledging the calibre of the West Australian Ballet.

“I am happy negotiations have been resolved in a way that rewards the excellence and quality of WA’s ballet company.”

West Australian Ballet chairman Michael Chappell said the result was a great outcome for the company and the rises reflected the talents of the dancers.

“The Ballet company is delighted the State Government has assisted in the resolution of this matter,” Mr Chappell said.

“As professional artists, our dancers have made great sacrifices to get where they are and we are pleased to see them receive the pay increase requested.”

Absit invidia

Jeff Watkins
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Virgin Director

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Ballet Battle

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