FIA is committed to strengthening the representation of performers worldwide. For this purpose it organises regular workshops and trainings in developing countries, designed for leaders of local organisations wishing to represent the professional interests of performers more effectively. Financed by LO/TCO in Sweden, these initiatives have so far proven invaluable to raise the awareness of Asian performers about their social, professional and intellectual property rights, as well as the need to pull together to increase their bargaining clout in the industry. The latest of these moves brought Dominick Luquer, FIA’s General Secretary, and Garry Neil, consultant, to Jakarta in Indonesia, from 13 to 15 June 2006, together with co-organiser FIM (International Federation of Musicians). Several associations representing professional actors in film and television, in variety, vaudeville shows and also DJs, attended the workshop and gathered for the first time in recent history.
Performers in Indonesia work for little or nothing, and their engagers tread on even their most basic labour rights. If ever they raise their voice to claim a more decent treatment, they hit the road. This was for instance the case of a very well known soap opera actress, whose character was made to die in a very successful series to get rid of her and her claims for a more decent pay. There is still no organisation that can collectively bargain on behalf of performers with their employers and social regulations, flowing from international ILO conventions, are not well enforced in the country – which makes social dialogue a tough challenge in the entertainment sector. The intellectual property protection of audiovisual performances is granted by law and is not subject to a presumption of transfer to the producers. However, important flaws in the legislation still exist and weak enforcement is a matter of great concern for the professionals we represent.
The Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the ILO all sent representatives to the workshop. FIA and FIM shared their experience on organising matters, collective bargaining and intellectual property. In a joint declaration at a final press conference, they also strongly encouraged the Indonesian performers’ organisations to overcome their differences and build one organisation that may speak up for them in a much more authoritative voice.
FIA-FIM press release