Important changes ahead for award coverage
The FWC is revising the Amusement Award to recognise workers in the visual arts.
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced that it is reshaping the classification structure and title of the Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020 to better recognise the roles and contributions of arts workers. This initiative comes directly from NAVA’s ongoing advocacy for minimum terms and conditions for workers in the visual arts, addressing persistent issues of inadequate recognition and remuneration.
Written submissions are due by 4pm on Wednesday 16 October 2024 and should be sent to awards@fwc.gov.au. These submissions will help clarify key issues, confirm the scope of this work and set a timeline for future discussions.
What are the key issues?
The FWC has outlined a few important areas to consider:
- Classification structure: Proposed changes to better identify and define the roles of arts workers in Schedule A of the Amusement Award.
- Terminology: Suggestions to update the award’s title and language to explicitly recognise art as work.
Who's affected?
Certain roles in museums, galleries, and cultural centres are flagged as potentially overlooked under current classifications. These include:
- Access Coordinator
- Advisor
- Registrar
- Exhibition/Collections Employee
- Conservator
- Educator and Public Programs Officer
- First Nations Art Centre Employee
- Front of House/Visitor Service
- Gallery Assistant/Attendant
- Gallery Technician/Installer
- Studio Assistant or Coordinator
Why is this important?
The current classification structure fails to adequately represent the diverse and multidisciplinary work of arts workers, affecting pay rates and conditions The FWC report calls for a change to the award title and expansion of the classification definitions to include roles that arts workers typically perform. It also recognises that many arts workers have qualifications at a diploma level or higher, which is important because existing classification do not recognise the skills and expertise these workers bring. While some role titles in Schedule A may seem similar to those held by arts workers, they often overlook the specific skills, knowledge and qualifications required for these positions.
Upcoming hearing
A Case Management Hearing is set for 2pm AEDT, Wednesday 30 October 2024, led by Deputy President Millhouse at the Fair Work Commission, located at 11 Exhibition St. Melbourne.
NAVA has been heavily involved in this review, including facilitating the participation of nearly 20 visual artists and arts workers during consultations in January 2024. Valuable insights highlighted the gaps in current award coverage and its negative impact on conditions of work and practice.
Get involved
This is a vital opportunity for NAVA members to engage with the process. Your voices are crucial to ensure that arts workers are properly recognised and valued in changes to the award.
Written submissions are due by 4pm on Wednesday 16 October 2024 and should be sent to awards@fwc.gov.au. These submissions will help clarify key issues, confirm the scope of this work and set a timeline for future discussions.
For support with submissions, please contact NAVA at nava@visualarts.net.au. Let’s make sure our community is heard!
NAVA will provide another update with next steps, including how and when to propose specific award variations, once the timeline has been determined following the case hearing.
Image credit
AACHWA Our Future: Aboriginal Arts Worker Training Program participants assist Martumili Artists with the installation of the exhibition ‘Ngapikaja’ (thingamibobs), in Parnpajinya (Newman), 2023. Image courtesy of Martumili Artists.
ID: A photo of people in a gallery preparing and installing works for exhibition. Three people are gathered around a table where canvasses are being stretched, others are looking at canvases on the floor, in the background, someone is on a scissor lift and to the left of that, someone else is working at the back wall.
