Important Message from the MEAA

I find myself in the middle of this argument, as equity (I am a member) has sometimes shot off in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, in this case, a promoter is attempting to get out of costs they could otherwise be expected to incur. I also don't think for a second this is being marketed remotely as an amateur production (check the fliers) I'm sure all the Idols and Nikki are being paid... please correct me anyone involved if crew and musoes aren't being paid (EXTREMELY unusual in MT). I am also sure that the Yellowglass boys are getting paid (as they bl'''y well should- kudos to them for their work) possibly some in the cast are not. I for one would love to know. However, that said, a very large amount of freelance work in the music sector at least in perth is as a contractor- NOT an employee. To counter this, we have created as an industry acceptable pay rates that are high enough to 'include' your super and other things. Now, the union suggesting that we in the industry take a stand against a company eroding hard-fought rights is neither defamatory, nor illegal. Not yet anyways I for one think that it is probably a good thing that people in our industry get super (god knows we earn little enough before retirement!), that they're protected by workers comp, that they have what few rights we in the industry have. The whole issue is raised in the very first reply- "What's so bad about being a contractor?" the fact that the average person has not a clue as to why that is not as good as being an employee is proof that people like equity need to bang the drum some more. singer/minger/finger- whatever you want to call yourself- "Who cares, as long as the show is good"??!! WTF?! That comment shows neither thought, intelligence, or even a basic understanding of the fact that those people out there making this product work deserve to be paid and respected in their working rights as much as any 15 year old at maccas. Shame on you, you anonymous twit! A non-labor supporter, but certainly no conservatives man! Neville ps- in the interest of free speech- here is the original non-defamatory letter from MEAA so all can see what we're actually talking about Dear Members There is a production of “Hair” by Eventainment Pty Ltd being planned at the Regal Theatre in May 2007. For this, their first production, it is our understanding that Eventainment Pty Ltd is asking for performers, crew and musicians to sign Independent Contractor Agreements. This means people working on the production would not be considered employees – but contractors. This is a radically different legal arrangement and is in opposition to what we have all worked for in the industry. Our standard industry contract for live performance, negotiated by the union and Live Performance Australia, employs people as employees and offers the basic terms and conditions which we all expect and require. It means basic things like your superannuation is paid, and there is workers compensation insurance. Agreeing to work in musical theatre as an independent contractor with terms which undermine the basic conditions of employment provided in our Performers Collective Agreement and the relevant awards is not in the interests of the industry. We urge all members not to support a production which does this, whether claiming amateur status or not, and we urge all members to only sign the standard industry contracts. If you require more information please contact the WA Branch. Naomi McCrae WA Industrial Organiser Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance 123 Claisebrook Street, Perth, 6000 WA Tel: (08) 9227 7923 Fax: (08) 9227 9026 Email: naomi.mccrae@alliance.org.au www.alliance.org.au It's the simple things stupid...