On 16 September 2020, employers in the live performance sector gathered to discuss current events in the framework of the Pearle* project “Behind the Stage”. The EAEA was invited to join the discussion, with representatives from FIM, FIA, and UNI MEI.
The discussion covered the challenges posed by the pandemic and the importance of social dialogue, particularly now as the sector is working hard to find solutions on how to safely re-start live performances. The EAEA underlined the importance of cooperation and that this is absolutely the time to work together. To get the sector re-started, the EAEA stated, we need strong public support and audiences need to feel safe to attend, and this can only be achieved through collaboration. In some countries the social partners have already joined forces to address these challenges and to look for new innovation, particularly in the field of digital live performances.
The discussion then touched on the persisting issue of freelances and their working conditions, as the EAEA brought up recent movement in the European Commission on the issue of collective bargaining and self-employed workers. On the employers’ side, a key element is to keep the divisions clear between self-employed and employees, rather than creating an in-between group who would be partially covered by labour legislation. The bottom line, the EAEA underlined, is that everyone is protected, has access to social security, and can exercise their freedom of association.
For more information, please contact: hanna.harvima@uniglobalunion.org
