Arts Centre workers will walk off the job for 24 hours on Friday as part of ongoing protected industrial action – disrupting a range of live performances.

The strike coincides with a performance by Grammy-award winner Macy Gray on Friday evening at Hamer Hall, along with GRIMM at Fairfax Studio and Burn the Floor: Luminous at the Playhouse.

Hundreds of workers will join the strike action after recently rejecting a below inflation pay offer of 3 per cent.

Wages at the Arts Centre have fallen 10 per cent behind inflation since 2022. Nearly 40 per cent of the workforce is on the lowest pay band, with many paid the minimum award wage. 

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) members will be joined by their peers from the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and will stop work from 12.01am Friday 11 September for 24 hours.

As part of the stop work, staff will form a picket line at 3.30pm and hold a rally at 6.30pm outside Hamer Hall.

The CPSU is calling on the Victorian Government to adequately fund the Arts Centre so these disruptions can be avoided.  

This protected action is a timely reminder that behind every performance are highly skilled workers who keep the venue operating safely and seamlessly. They deserve fair wages and conditions that reflect the value of their work.

The CPSU said failing to invest in these workers will only deepen skills shortages across the arts sector and lead to further erosion of the industry.

Petition: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/acm-pay-rise-now

Quotes attributable to CPSU Vic Secretary, Jiselle Hanna

"The decision to interrupt Macy Gray's show has not been made lightly – but we are left with no choice until the government funds the Arts Centre properly."

"Vicki Ward (Minister for Creative Industries) has the opportunity to sweep in and stop this industrial action by committing to paying workers fairly." 

"Arts Centre workers need a pay offer that keeps pace with inflation, so they can continue to provide entertainment and high-quality experiences to millions of visitors each year."

"When world-class Arts institutions aren't funded it's not just the workers who are impacted, it's the performers, singers, actors, and the community who benefit so greatly from our arts sector."