New Collective Agreement Enhances Rights for Performing Artists in Tenerife
In a significant move for the performing arts community, a new collective agreement has been established to protect the rights of artists working in tourist venues, particularly hotels, across the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This initiative represents a landmark development for approximately 2,000 artists, with the aim of extending these vital protections throughout the broader artistic community in the region.
A Historic Milestone for the Arts Sector
The collective agreement, which stands as the first of its kind for this specific sector, was officially published in the Official Bulletin of the Province on June 6. This groundbreaking agreement is the result of extensive negotiations between various stakeholders, including employers and the unions UGT and Comisiones Obreras. Ongoing discussions are currently underway to address a range of concerns and to provide essential guidance to artists who are entering the hospitality industry for the first time. This initiative ensures that their work is governed by regulations that have been mutually agreed upon, thereby fostering a more secure and equitable working environment.
Transforming Working Conditions in the Arts
Vicente José García Brito, the head of culture for FeSMC UGT-Canarias, underscored the importance of this agreement, stating, “We have moved from prehistoric times to having a regulated sector.” He highlighted that the new regulations are designed to eliminate the precarious working conditions that many artists have historically faced. These conditions often include inadequate salaries that do not meet the established standards for similar professions, particularly those in dance and entertainment venues. The collective agreement also aims to enhance overall working conditions, addressing essential labor rights such as permissions, breaks, and other critical aspects of employment.
Financial Benefits and Structural Improvements
Under the terms of the new agreement, artists will benefit from salary increases that are directly tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), along with an additional increment of 0.25%. This financial adjustment is a crucial step toward ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work. The agreement also outlines several critical elements, including pay structures, working hours, mandatory breaks, bonuses, holiday entitlements, and professional classifications. These provisions are designed to create a more structured and supportive environment for performing artists, allowing them to focus on their craft without the burden of financial uncertainty.
Empowering Artists Through Education
In a proactive effort to address any uncertainties that artists may have regarding the new regulations, the Association of Artistic Agents of Tenerife, in collaboration with the unions Comisiones Obreras and UGT, hosted a congress this Thursday. This event aimed to educate artists about their rights under the new agreement. García Brito pointed out that many artists are not familiar with labor rights terminology, describing the sector as “illiterate” in this regard. The congress serves as an essential educational platform, providing artists with the information they need to navigate their rights and responsibilities effectively.
Future Aspirations for Regional Solidarity
Looking to the future, the unions are setting their sights on the eastern province of Las Palmas to establish a similar collective agreement. García Brito mentioned that initial steps are being taken to engage the employers’ association of Las Palmas in negotiations or to adopt the existing agreement from the western province. The ultimate ambition is to create a comprehensive regional agreement by 2026 that encompasses all artists under a unified legal framework. This goal reflects a commitment to fostering solidarity and cooperation among artists across the region, ensuring that their rights are protected and their contributions to the cultural landscape are recognized.
Key points
- A new agreement has been established to protect the rights of performing artists in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- This agreement currently safeguards approximately 2,000 artists in the province.
- The collective agreement was published on June 6 and is still in its early stages.
- Artists are entitled to salary increases linked to the Consumer Price Index plus an additional 0.25%.
- The agreement addresses crucial aspects such as working hours, breaks, and professional categories.
- Educational initiatives are being organized to inform artists about their rights under the new regulations.
- Unions aim to achieve a regional agreement by 2026 that unites all artists under a single legal framework.
