The arts and entertainment sector needs to focus on long-term strategies that support the creation of decent jobs, social protection, social dialogue and a just transition to greener economies.
These will be vital if the sector is to meet the challenges and opportunities created by issues such as globalization, technology and the recovery from COVID-19, concluded delegates at an International Labour Organization (ILO) meeting on building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future of work in the industry.
Strategies should include an overall review of working conditions, including creating an enabling environment for effective social dialogue, and effective policies on adequate minimum wages and overall renumeration.
Other requirements include better policy and regulatory frameworks covering skills, social protection and the status of workers; and strong labour inspection systems that support safe and healthy working conditions – including addressing violence and harassment at work.
The Technical meeting on the future of work in the arts and entertainment sector was attended by representatives from Governments, employers' and workers' organizations. Their discussions also highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for enterprises in the sector, particularly for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, including helping them make the transition to the formal sector.
Discussions also covered copyright and related rights, including the need for these to be implemented in ways that ensure that producers, performers and authors are effectively remunerated.
Attendees also discussed the positive role that social dialogue can play in bridging the 'digital divide' between regions and supporting equal access to technology and its benefits. Other agenda topics included challenges related to the cross-border mobility of workers, skills' shortages, and the importance of universal, adequate and sustainable social protection for all workers.
The recommendations were adopted at the end of the five-day meeting, which took place from 13-17 February at the ILO's headquarters in Geneva.
