Theater musicians join together to demand decent conditions, since, although musicals They have a turnover of 110 million and represent almost 70% of the total turnover of all the theater in Madrid, The salaries of musicians have dropped by 45% and many of them earn below the SMI, like 77% of Spanish artists, according to the AISGE socio-labor study. They are regulated by the circus workers agreement.
“We musicians are as if hidden and with a parallel, underground reality, in the midst of this boom and flowering of musicals,” denounces guitarist Gabriel Szternsztejn. And, despite the fact that Spain is the third destination in the world in musical tourismwith Madrid converted into a kind of Broadway, the situation for musicians is very different.
“We are light years away (from their salaries),” laments Gabriel Szternsztejn, an opinion shared by bassist Albert Anguela: “They are paying us a ridiculous priceeither”. Sometimes 40 euros per performance. “There is a production that is on the bill right now and that was made 20-22 years ago where the net salary was higher then than now.to. That represents a loss of purchasing power of 45%,” denounces guitarist Aitor Antruejo, since, as they do not have “any type of regulation or agreement” they feel “totally sold.”
On the same Gran Vía that gives work to many of them, they tell us that Firing a musician is ten times cheaper than firing any other artist of those who go on stage. Even so, as César Casares, general secretary ‘Conarte’, denounces, “the situation remains precarious for the entire artistic sector“We don’t have continuity and, if we do, we often chain temporary contracts,” complains Gabriel Szternsztejn.
In fact, his colleagues from orchestras like the one in Malaga are familiar with this music, since, as Carlos González, from the works committee of the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra, denounces, “they have not had their staff covered for more than 10 years.”
“We are the weakest part of the value chain“says César Casares, who demand working conditions that other sectors, such as actors, dancers or singers, have already achieved.”If there is no regulatory agreement, things begin to be the law of the jungle.“, denounces the general secretary ‘Conarte’, who will not tire of asking for an agreement that provides them with decent working conditions.
Source: Lasexta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
