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Cultural Senator in Hamburg advocates for temporary workers' compensation for artists

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Hamburg's cultural senator aims to implement short-term wage arrangements for artists.
Hamburg's cultural senator aims to implement short-term wage arrangements for artists.

Cultural Senator in Hamburg advocates for temporary workers' compensation for artists

In the heart of Germany, discussions are underway to enhance the progressive social security of freelance artists in Hamburg. The driving force behind this initiative is Carsten Brosda, the SPD Senator for Culture and President of the German Stage Association.

Brosda is proposing a new form of insurance for freelance artists, designed to function as a work insurance, providing financial support during phases with no income. This proposed insurance could be likened to a 'short-time work allowance' for artists, offering a safety net during challenging times.

The unique characteristic of freelancing, where there is no classic phase of unemployment, only a lack of income, forms the basis of this proposed insurance. It aims to address the financial void that freelance artists often face during periods of low or no work.

Recent discussions with labor market policy experts have focused on developing a new form of social insurance for freelance artists. The plan is to build upon the existing structure of the Künstlersozialkasse (KSK), which collects and forwards contributions to statutory health, nursing care, and pension insurance providers. This would enable self-employed artists and publicists to have social insurance coverage similar to employees.

The state's potential involvement in covering the employer's share in the proposed insurance is under consideration. This could be a significant step in ensuring the financial stability of freelance artists, particularly during times of crisis.

Brosda hopes that the COVID-19 crisis will lead to the creation of a 'simple instrument' to improve the social security of artists. As the theater box office remains closed due to the pandemic (source: dts Nachrichtenagentur), the need for such a safety net is more pressing than ever.

The proposed insurance, if implemented, could be a game-changer for the freelance arts community in Hamburg, providing a much-needed financial cushion during difficult times. The discussions are ongoing, and the future looks promising for the social and financial security of freelance artists in the city.

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