Technicians, creators and artists in the live performance sector are working under unsteady and insecure conditions. The majority is employed on the basis of short-term contracts, wages and salaries are lower than those in the other industry sectors in contrast to the high status of theatre. The workings hours are concentrated on evenings and week ends without adequate financial compensation. Those employed on short-term contracts often have no access to pension schemes and social security. UNI-MEI seeks to improve the working conditions for all the workers in the live performance sector, to improve the protection workers employed under a short-term contract and to ensure that all workers regardless their legal status have access to pension schemes and social security provisions.
In theatres large sums of money are spent on new equipment and modern technology. At the same time there is little investment and a lack of knowledge and standards regarding health and safety measures in theatre. Working on stage remains dangerous, in particular small theatres. Technicians often have to cope with low or varying standards in training or no training at all. UNI-MEI campaigns to ensure that provisions on health and safety become part of contracts and collective agreements providing for minimum standards.
In Europe EURO-MEI affiliates are working together with FIA and FIM and formed a social dialogue committee with PEARLE*, the European federation of employers in the live performance sector. The committee is meeting regularly to discuss social and employment issues at EU level and is carrying out joint projects.