Equity and LPA reach ‘in-principle’ deal

The Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance (MEAA) and the Australian producer’s body Live Performance Australia (LPA) have come to an agreement in principle to extend the Performers’ Collective Agreement (PCA) a further 12 months.

The PCA The current agreement is the theatre agreement in Australia and it provides significantly higher minimum wages and better conditions for performers that the legal minimum safety net. All MEAA members are encouraged to work only on PCA contracts.

The in-principle agreement includes a 1.5% wage increase and CPI adjustment to allowances (per diems, etc).

It is understood that MEAA and LPA have agreed to this short-term PCA agreement given the current uncertainty facing small to medium sized arts organisations, many of whom have been de-funded since the controversial Australia Council funding cuts in 2015.

Both parties have agreed to review the terms of the PCA in 12 months.

Equity is now calling on LPA to begin discussions around the issue of imported artists in musical theatre.