SOCOG Softens Stance On Performers

Date: 17 March 2000

Alliance delegation to SOCOG

Last week SOCOG told the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance that performers would not be paid for the opening and closing ceremonies but, yesterday, the producers offered the union 147 paid performer opportunities in the opening event.

Whilst no-one at SOCOG will admit to "not" budgeting for performers in the ceremonies, SOCOG agreed to enter into further discussions about an acceptable mix of professional performers and amateur participants in the spectacular events. Appropriately, the opening ceremony will allow the participation of over 11,700 members of community groups, dance groups, marching bands and high school performing groups. What the union wants is recognition of the professionalism that the small component of performers will bring to the event and appropriate payment.

Community groups who wish to be involved in the opening and closing events can juggle their jobs or studies with the weekend and night rehearsal schedule. However, professional performers earn their bread and butter at night and on weekends. If SOCOG wants to make these events "sing", they need professional performer involvement.

So far, SOCOG is willing to pay 1.19% of the total participants in the opening ceremony. The union says professional involvement should be closer to 5% to ensure the necessary level of performers with specialist skills and expertise necessary to stage a wonderful event. Meanwhile, SOCOG has agreed to pay the producers, technical crew, stage managers, musicians, not to mention security, catering, venue and cleaning staff for the event - all for their professional services! So why, argues the union, have performers been singled out?

Pattie Amphlett, Vice President of the Actors Division of MEAA was hopeful that SOCOG will reach agreement with the union on a reasonable ratio between amateur participants, volunteer and paid professional performers. Amphlett is certain that SOCOG will agree that terms and conditions for paid performers should be consistent with conditions already agreed for other Olympic workers. Negotiations continue with the next meeting scheduled for 10.00am Thursday 23 March 2000.

For further information

Contact:	Michel Maree Hryce
Union:	MEAA
Phone:	02 9333 0965
Fax:	02 9333 0933
Email:	mhryce@meaa.aust.com
WWW:	http://www.alliance.aust.com

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