Inspired by FIA’s recent publication and work on organizing atypical workers, Michael Crosby has written a short document to share his insights on the challenge of organizing actors. The topics covered by Crosby include unifying freelancers, actors as unionists, strikes as a weapon, media, etc.
In July 2020, FIA indeed published a Handbook on Trade Union Organising in the Media, Arts and Entertainment Sector. This publication was the outcome of a joint project by the four European trade union federations in the Media, Arts and Entertainment sector, namely: the International Federation of Actors (FIA); the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), UNI Europa – Media, Entertainment & Arts (EURO-MEI) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ). The project, entitled “Reaching the Full Potential of Social Dialogue for Atypical Workers” focused on the challenge of union representation of workers in the Media, Arts and Entertainment sector, who are freelance, self-employed or otherwise atypical workers.
In his essay, Michael Crosby offers reflexions based on his unique experience as former Head of Equity Australia and FIA General Secretary. Crosby worked for FIA from 1991 to 1995 – a time of fundamental change for unions in Eastern Europe and the start of negotiations for an audio-visual Convention covering performers’ rights. After that, he wrote the book “Power at Work, rebuilding the Australian Union movement” while pursuing his work with unions and workers organisations internationally.
You can download the document in PDF format using the link here under:
Reflections on the Challenge of Organising Actors, by Michael Crosby (EN)
