Equity has filed applications with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission this week for allowance increases to the federal awards that cover theatre, dance, ballet and opera performers.

Increases sought for each award include:

Theatre award – Work related allowances (eg. understudy, higher duties) increased by 4.76%, reimbursement allowances increased by 2007 – 2008 CPI and travelling allowances (eg. accommodation, incidentals) increased in line with the rates in the Performers Collective Agreement.

Dance award – Work related allowances increased by 4.76%, reimbursement allowances increased by 2007 – 2008 CPI and travelling allowances increased in line with the rates in the Performers Collective Agreement.

Ballet award – Reimbursement allowances increased by 2007 – 2008 CPI and travelling allowances increased in line with the rates in the Performers Collective Agreement. Note the Ballet Award has no work related allowances.

Opera award – Work related allowances increased by 13.2%, reimbursement allowances increased by 2004 – 2008 CPI and travelling allowances increased in line with the rates in the Performers Collective Agreement.