Hundreds of artists, actors and staff from the cultural sector are protesting on Brussels’ Muntplein and Antwerp’s Operaplein against the planned reforms of the federal government, as part of the national strike on Monday. The protesters denounce the possible reform of the artists’ statute, the special status of artists.
The protesters fear that the reform of the artists’ statute, as part of the unemployment benefit reforms, will affect 8,000 artists. They are afraid that the reforms will have a major effect on pensions and benefits for artists.
“The new government wants art workers to work 156 days a year to be entitled to a full pension, which is impossible for many artists, resulting in sharply reduced pensions,” stated Christian trade union ACV. In addition, federal employment minister David Clarinval also wants to cut the art work allowance, including the time limitation to a maximum of two years. “For a sector with low wages and short contracts, the art work allowance is often the only way to make ends meet,” the union said.
Brussels Groen politician Lotte Stoops, who herself comes from the sector, was present at the action and “very emotional” about the possible reforms in the arts and culture sector. “Many people have not yet realised all that will disappear if you do not give artists and the cultural sector the space to work,” she stressed. She called on the socialists of Vooruit, part of the federal government, to fight against the reform.
