Fair Play on Fair Pay

Fair Play on Fair Pay

Like other working people, performers deserve fair pay for their work.

Performers are often paid rates well below the minimum wage due to their being engaged as contractors as opposed to employees.

Equity New Zealand is disappointed that Peter Dunne has withdrawn his support for the Minimum Wage (Contractor Remuneration) Amendment Bill, which could have paved the way for performers being assured of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

Equity New Zealand President Jennifer Ward-Lealand says ‘It is not uncommon for performers to be paid well below minimum wage for their work. We have members who talk about working on high-profile theatre productions and being paid the equivalent of $7.50 an hour, or being offered only food and transport when filming commercials for profitable brands.’

Equity New Zealand acknowledges David Parker’s work on this Bill which has started a long overdue conversation concerning conditions for contractors. Without adequate protections, performers and many other working people remain vulnerable to exploitation.

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