Arts Centre Melbourne union members have voted to accept a new enterprise agreement delivering a 13 percent pay increase over three years, following a campaign that included two 24-hour stop-work actions and the closure of shows.

The agreement provides a 5 percent pay increase in the first year, followed by 4 percent increases in each of the following two years. Workers will also receive a one-off payment of $4,350 pro rata.

Arts Centre Melbourne. Photo supplied

The agreement, endorsed overwhelmingly by members of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU), also includes improved leave provisions, stronger job security measures and enhanced fatigue management.

New leave provisions include no qualifying period for parental leave, as well as reproductive health, disability support and gender affirmation leave.

Other provisions cover weekend and public holiday work, consultation over major workplace changes, secure employment and affordable staff parking.

The agreement follows an industrial campaign in which Arts Centre Melbourne workers held rallies and took strike action. The first 24-hour stoppage resulted in all shows being cancelled or postponed, including a performance by Macy Gray.

MEAA Acting Chief Executive Adam Portelli said the outcome demonstrated the impact of collective action.

“This is a big win for members who refused to accept that doing the job they love meant earning a wage that doesn’t keep up with the cost of living,” Portelli said.

“For the first time in decades, Arts Centre Melbourne ushers, food and beverage staff, customer service representatives, box office crew, sound and lighting techs, stage managers, rigging and backstage crew voted to take stop work action.”