Organist employment and rates of pay
Effective 1 July 2014
1. General information
The purpose of this document is to provide information for congregations regarding terms of employment and pay rates for UCA organists in the Victoria and Tasmania region.
Organists may require a considerable amount of preparation and a weekly commitment of time and talent. Appropriate financial remuneration is therefore a positive way of sharing that commitment.
Congregations are encouraged to offer an agreement in writing that specifies the terms and conditions of employment. Appendix A provides a sample letter of offer that can be used for this purpose. It is important that the Fair Work Information Statement is also provided as required by legislation.
A sufficient level of skill and experience is required to effectively carry out the agreed tasks. Therefore, it is important to ensure a position description is created that describes the expectations of the role. Appendix B provides a sample position description that can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of the congregation.
The Church Council and the minister should provide the organist with any reasonable support needed to enable them to maintain and develop their musical skills, and to make an effective contribution to the development of church music.
2. Terms of employment
The terms of employment for organists are provided in the Miscellanous Award 2010. Recommended remuneration appears in the rates of pay table and may be determined by the classifications as listed.
3. Music allowance
In some cases, it may be appropriate to pay an allowance for the cost of music to be used for worship purposes. A reasonable allowance may be paid by agreement between the organist and Church Council.
4. Application
The letter of offer should specify the number of hours usually performed in the role each week. Annualised remuneration can be calculated by multiplying the relevant rates below by 52 weeks. Please note, that an organist employed in a permanent role is entitled to four weeks paid annual leave.
5. Payment of one off services
One off services such as weddings or funerals are paid as one off payments and can be arranged by advising the Central Stipends Payroll Office at .
6. Rates of pay
From 1 July 2014, the recommended rate for an organist is $68 per hour (permanent rate).
Level / Tasks performed / Period / RateA / One off service such as funeral, wedding, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and extra Easter and Christmas Day services when music is required / Up to 3 hours / $200
B / Service/s
Practice & preparation / up to 2.5 hours per week / $170
C / Service/s
Practice & preparation
Attendance at meetings / 2.5 to 4 hours per week / $250
D / Service/s
Practice & preparation
Attendance at meetings / 4+ hours per week / $250 for the first 4 hours and $68 per hour thereafter
* These rates exclude 9.5% superannuation
7. Further information
For further information please contact People & Culture on 9251 5477
References
Committee on Church Music regarding the appointment and support of Church musicians, February 1992, revised June 2006.
The Society of Organists (Victoria) Inc. www.sov.org.au
Miscellaneous Award 2010, www.fairwork.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/list-of-awards
insert name>
insert date>
Dear <insert name>
,
Re: Appointment to position of Organist, <insert congregation>
I have pleasure in confirming our offer of appointment with the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania (UCA) as Organist, <insert congregation>. The duties and responsibilities of this position are provided in the enclosed position description.
Details of the appointment are as follows:
Tenure:
/Part time continuing (2.5 hours per week/ 0.07 of a full time equivalent position)
Total remuneration:
/$9679.80 pa comprising salary of $8,840.00 pa and superannuation of $839.80.
(Note that remuneration is pro-rata of $47,622.00 pa.)
Classification:
/Level 4 – Miscellaneous Award 2010
Commencement date:
/insert commencement date>
Accountability:
/This position is accountable to Name, Position
Terms and conditions of employment:
/Full details of the terms of your employment are detailed in the enclosed Miscellaneous Award (2010 ) and the National Employment Standards (NES). A copy of the Miscellaneous Award (2010 ) and the NES can also be found on the Fair Work website
Trial Period:
/In accordance with the Miscellaneous Award 2010, the first 12 weeks of your employment with the UCA will be a probationary period. Further details of the trial period can be found on page 26 of the agreement.
Superannuation:
/The UCA will pay Occupational Superannuation (currently 9.5%) from the commencement of your employment.
Special Conditions
/This appointment is subject to a satisfactory National Criminal History/Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check.
Please confirm your acceptance of this offer by signing where indicated below and returning this letter to me at this address.
insert name>, welcome to the <insert congregation> team. We look forward to working with you and we hope that you find your new position challenging and enjoyable.
Yours sincerely
insert name>
insert title/position>
Acceptance
I, <insert name> accept the position of Organist, <insert congregation> and as a member of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania team. I agree that my employment with the Uniting Church in Australia will be governed by the terms of employment as set out in this letter and the Miscellaneous Award 2010.
______
Signature Date