Greek performing artists demonstrate in pay row

Hundreds of Greek performing artists protested in Athens on Thursday amid a strike over legislative changes that put them on a par with school leavers for state pay and qualifications.

The row first erupted in December over a presidential decree that equated actors, musicians and dancers with high school graduates for the purpose of determining public sector pay and qualification levels.

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Performing artists called a two-day on Wednesday and Thursday after the government submitted a draft bill on the subject, which they also dismissed as unacceptable.

The Greek entertainment association says the proposed changes “downgrade” theatre and cinema studies and “marginalise” artists.

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They also note that the latest bill would enable the government to set their pay independently of collective labour agreements when employed by state entities.

A new strike in the sector has been called for February 8.

© Agence France-Presse