As part of the latest phase of the On the Road Again program, Live Nation has announced that it will be increasing the minimum wage of venue employees to $20 an hour across North America.
The pay bump includes guest services workers, box office attendants and ushers, production crew and artists, as well as hospitality employees and cleaning crew — and it's significant, with federal government-implemented minimum wages ranging from $14 to $16.65 an hour depending on the province. Wages for those working in supervisor roles will also now begin at $25 an hour.
"Shows wouldn't happen without the unsung heroes who work in the background to help support artists and fans," CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement [via Billboard]. "In addition to developing artists, clubs also help industry professionals learn the ropes, and many of our promoters and venue managers worked their way up from smaller venues. The live music industry is on track for years of growth and offers a great career path, and by increasing minimum wages we're helping staff get an even stronger start as they begin their journey in live."
The change comes into effect at the seven Canadian venues currently owned and operated by Live Nation: Edmonton's Midway Music Hall, Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom, Bala's KEE to Bala, and Toronto's History, Opera House and Velvet Underground. The Opera House and the KEE to Bala are among the entertainment corporation's more recent acquisitions, both having been added to its venue portfolio this year.
To the excitement of many, the entertainment giant launched the On the Road program — in collaboration with Willie Nelson, of course — in September, getting rid of merch cuts and implementing a $1,500 stipend for club acts' traffic expenses in addition to their nightly performance compensation. However, some have criticized the initiative as a "calculated attempt" to "squeeze out small venues."
The pay bump includes guest services workers, box office attendants and ushers, production crew and artists, as well as hospitality employees and cleaning crew — and it's significant, with federal government-implemented minimum wages ranging from $14 to $16.65 an hour depending on the province. Wages for those working in supervisor roles will also now begin at $25 an hour.
"Shows wouldn't happen without the unsung heroes who work in the background to help support artists and fans," CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement [via Billboard]. "In addition to developing artists, clubs also help industry professionals learn the ropes, and many of our promoters and venue managers worked their way up from smaller venues. The live music industry is on track for years of growth and offers a great career path, and by increasing minimum wages we're helping staff get an even stronger start as they begin their journey in live."
The change comes into effect at the seven Canadian venues currently owned and operated by Live Nation: Edmonton's Midway Music Hall, Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom, Bala's KEE to Bala, and Toronto's History, Opera House and Velvet Underground. The Opera House and the KEE to Bala are among the entertainment corporation's more recent acquisitions, both having been added to its venue portfolio this year.
To the excitement of many, the entertainment giant launched the On the Road program — in collaboration with Willie Nelson, of course — in September, getting rid of merch cuts and implementing a $1,500 stipend for club acts' traffic expenses in addition to their nightly performance compensation. However, some have criticized the initiative as a "calculated attempt" to "squeeze out small venues."
