MUSICIANS’ AWARD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 263, 19 August 1949, Page 6

MUSICIANS’ AWARD

INCREASED RATES OF PAY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 18. New rates of pay for members of orchestras and dance bands and other members of the New Zealand Musicians’ Union working under the Performing Musicians’ Award have been prescribed by the Court of Arbitration in a new award. The award stipulates £7 10s a week for six performances for every performer employed at general theatrical performances, including operatic, touring, pictures, dramatic, comedy and vaudeville. All performers are to receive £1 for each matinee. The leader of an orchestra is to receive not less than 4s 6d a, performance in addition to the ordinary rate.

When a musician is required to play on the stage in view of the audience he is to be paid Cs d performance in addition to the ordinuary wage with a maximum payment of 35s in one week.

For time spent rehearsing, payment will bo at the rate of 5s 3d an hour for the first four hours, and thereafter 8s an hour. For engagements comprising not more than three performances, liehearsing will be paid for at 8s an hour. Performers in cafes, tea rooms and hotels between 9 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. are to receive 8s fid an hour with a minimum engagement of two hours. Where an orchestra is engaged for card parties, concerts, dances, assemblies, radio broadcasting and recording cabarets, night clubs, and skating rinks, payment is to £1 3s a performer from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., £1 10s from 8 p.m. to midnight, £1 15s from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.. and £2 15s from 10 p.m. to-2 a.m. A solo musician is to receive an additional 8s fid a performance. The conductor and/or leader of an orchestra must receive not less than 11s fid a performance extra.

The award comes into force _ immediately. with the wage provisions .retrospective to July 5.