MUSICIANS' WAGES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2855, 21 August 1916, Page 9

MUSICIANS' WAGES

INDUSTRIAL AWARD DEMANDS

The Wellington Performing Musicians' Industrial Union of Workers has filed claims for a new award. It is proposed that the award shall apply to performers employed to play musical instruments (mechanical or otherwise) at skating rinks, public and private dancing assemblies, in refreshment rooms, and in connection with dramatic performances, variety and picture entertainments,, shows, circuses, and performances by operatic comedy companies; also performances by professional orchestras or bands, and engagements at outdoor and. indoor amusements. Amateur performances are exempted, the practice at present in vogue flu continue. The principal claim relating to wages is 05 follows:—Except where otherwise provided each individual performer shall be paid at the rate of .not less than £3 10s. per week of six consecutive performances, extra, performances to be paid for at tho rate named, leader to receive at least 10s. per week extra, and performances on Sunday, Christmas Day, and Good Friday to be paid for at double rates; travelling companies one-sixth of weekly salary for each matinee and ss. per day (Sundays included) as allowance to return to home town, with first-class return fare; permanent picture entertainments £3 10s. per week of six 2J hour performances, all time beyond 2$ hours to bo paid for at ss. per hour; rehearsals not to exceed one hour per week, double time on Sunday, Christmas Day, _ and Good Friday, all other public holidays time and a half; continuous picture entertainments same rates and . following hours: Day, 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.;evening, 6.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.. Dances, Balls, etc. —Classes: From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., pianist only, 155.; all extra performers 10s. each performer; from 8 to 12, pianist: JBI, all extra performers 15s. each performer. Long nights in connection with regular weekly classes 3s. per hour, casual ss. per hour after 12 p.m. Card Parties and Dances.—From 10 p.m. to 12 p.m., pianist only 155., all extra performers 12s. 6d. each performer. For all time beyond, ss. per hour or part thereof. Casual Performances.—All casual engagements not otherwise mentioned, riot exceeding 2 hours, to be 125.; all time, exceeding 2 hours to he at the rate of ss. per hour per performer. .Refreshment Rooms and Hotels.—Between 9 a.m. and 7.30 p.m., 2s. 6d. per hour, with a minimum payment ot not less than ss. per day;:for any time beyond that stipulated shall be at the rate of ss. per hour with a minimum, payment as for not less than two hours, present rates in excess not to be interfered with. Skating Rinks.—los. for each performance of not more than two hours and a half. For any time beyond the time specified, ss. por hour. Singlehanded engagements, 15s. Other Engagements.—Picnics: From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with one hour for lunch, 155.; from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., 12s. Races.—Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., not less than £1; between 12.30 p.m. and 6 p.m., not less than 155.; between 1.30 p.m. and 6 p.m., notless than 12s. 6d.; bandmaster at least ss. extra; garden parties, from 2.30 p.m. to 5' p.m., 125.; bandmaster, '55., extra. Harbour Excursions.—From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 155., from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., 12s;; from 7 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., 12s. Sports, etc., not otherwise provided for, Swimming, Bowling, Tennis, and Regattas—From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with one hour to lunch, 155.; from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., 125.; from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., 12s. Shows, Bazaars, etc.—32s. for eaoh performance of two and a half hours. Casual performers.—Us. for each performance. 1 No substitute shall be deemed a casual performer. Double bass players, harpists, and drummers shall be allowed cartage for their instruments and accessories to and from their respective engagements. . :■;■■. Rehearsals.—ln theatrical and vaudeville entertainments rehearsals shall not exceed four hours during each week, and shall be given free of charge. After the first two rehearsals, the remaining rehearsal shall be fixed to fall between the hours of five and 6even in the evening; there shall not be more than three rehearsals in one week. In all classes of amusement other than those specified, one rehearsal of two hours per week shall be given by performers without charge. Any time in excess to be paid at ordinary overtime rates. Rehearsals on Sunday, Christmas Day,-or Good Friday, shall.be paid for at ss. per hour. Except where otherwise specified (as in continuous picture 6hows and matinees) hours of entertainments shall be between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Overtime in excess of hours mentioned to be paid for at the rate of ss. per hour. Allowances for music library shall be-.' For single-hand performer ss. per week, for orchestra 10s.' There are other clauses dealing with benefit entertainments, sweating, and preference. , The dispute will be heard by the Conciliation Council on August 25. The following assessors have been nominated by the. union :-Messrs. J. R. Manley (Auckland). TJ. bavase (ChristchiiTch), and J F. Woodward -(Wellington). ....