Strike action at Ballarat's Sovereign Hill attraction on hold until after long weekend

Strike action at Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill attraction on hold until after long weekend

June 9, 2023

Despite threats earlier in the week, unionised workers at Ballarat's Sovereign Hill attraction - one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations - will not go on strike this King's Birthday long weekend.

With concerns of operational impacts on one of the busiest weekends of the year for the outdoor heritage attraction, Sovereign Hill workers have agreed to delay any protected industrial action until next week.

Earlier this week workers had threatened to strike or take other forms of protected industrial action, such as refusing to wear costumes or be photographed by visitors.

They say they will hold off any action until a staff vote on Sovereign Hill management's enterprise bargaining agreement offer is completed.

Sovereign Hill is offering a 5% pay rise in the first year and a 3.5% increase in years two and three, with a one-off payment of $1,500 to provide relief from cost-of-living pressures.

Sovereign Hill says it is also offering new opportunities for training, flexibility and career progression.

The union representing the workers - The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) - and Sovereign Hill management remain at a stalemate after 11 months of negotiations with the MEAA pushing for a higher pay rise in line with inflation, which is 6.8%, the reinstatement of weekend penalty rates and a cap on the use of voluntary labour.

Sara Quon, Chief Executive of The Sovereign Hill Museums Association previously said in a statement it would be financially irresponsible to deliver union demands as it would threaten the not-for-profit organisation's ongoing viability.

It is understood that the enterprise bargaining agreement vote will be completed by 14^th June.

Image. Credit: Sovereign Hill

7th June 2023 - Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill unionised workers threaten to strike for improved pay and working conditions

9th February 2023 - IHG Owners Association appoints Australian hospitality specialist as MEAA representative to global Board of Directors

24th May 2022 - Sovereign Hill Ballarat to benefit from new event spaces

14th May 2022 - Protesting insurance crisis operators halt rides at regional shows across NSW and Queensland

15th July 2021 - Stood-down workers protest at Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre

19th March 2021 - Event industry suppliers circle Victorian Parliament in protest at lack of state government support

29th November 2020 - Sovereign Hill Museums Association celebrates 50th anniversary with launch of 20-year staged Master Plan

23rd June 2020 - MEAA advocate for multi-level support of arts and entertainment sector

10th June 2020 - Victoria Tourism Industry Council welcomes Sovereign Hill’s reopening announcement

16th March 2020 - Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill stands down casual staff as visitor numbers dip

20th April 2019 - Federal Government commits to funding Sovereign Hill redevelopment

27th March 2019 - Sovereign Hill launches new sound and light show

15th March 2019 - Sovereign Hill’s Gold Museum celebrates 40th Anniversary with eclectic exhibition

17th February 2019 - Sovereign Hill has opened its new Play Space

14th January 2019 - Sovereign Hill appoints Leisure and Tourism Solutions as Greater China and South East Asia representative

7th November 2018 - New Chief Executive named for Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill

19th October 2018 - New Sovereign Hill play space to open in celebration of National Children’s Week

23rd December 2017 - Jeremy Johnson to step down from Sovereign Hill Chief Executive’s role

25th February 2017 - Sovereign Hill the top attraction, Harvey Lister named industry legend at Australian Tourism Awards

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