avoid AWA with subcontractors

The recent hype about the Howard government Initiatives does not bode well for the music industry in Australia. There is no attempt to produce a fair system that protects musicians and entertainers against possible exploitation by venue managers.

It seems that the idea of being able to earn a living playing music is nearly impossible for the working musician.

The biggest problem is that most musicians do not usually work at one venue as their form of employment so it is difficult for them to claim they are employees if a dispute arose, they are hired as "subcontractors".

This means that there is no necessity for the venue manager to pay the musician or entertainer the award rate of pay and other entitlements that would be applicable to an "employee".

There are orchestras with members that currently work in Sydney for about 40% less than the award rate. They are not adequately covered for workers compensation as the venue manager may only pay a premium on whatever he pays the subcontractor, not the award rate. There are no allowances for travel etc. The musicians/entertainers in the orchestra are paid in cash without any invoices produced, so they can simply be guided toward a "cash economy".

There are no entitlements whatsoever, for instance: no travelling allowance, no sick pay, no notice for dismissal, no termination pay, no amenities, for instance, the band wears a uniform and they have to change in a public toilet (the change room is now a storeroom)

This form of employment is legal and not in breach of Industrial Law according to the Office of Industrial relations.(O.I.R.) Work Choices has no interest in how sub contractors are treated.

It seems that the continual degradation of the entertainment industry may mean that the thousands of young musicians in School Orchestras are wasting their time if they think they may earn a living in the music industry.