The EFJ asked the chief of the internal market and services
department, Commissioner Michel Barnier, to investigate the unfair contractual
practices in journalism and the creative sector in order to prevent further
economic loss. An EFJ delegation met with Mr. Barnier and raised the concern
over the increasing use of unfair contracts that deprive journalists and
creators of their right to claim fair payment for their work. Mr. Barnier told
the delegation that a study to assess whether authors and performers are paid
fairly for their work is underway. The study will look into the aspect of
unfair contractual practices and the economic loss of authors and performers.
The delegation has also raised concerns over the proposed new European law on
collecting societies and emphasised that journalists' unions should not be
considered or confused by the authority as collecting societies.
For more information, please contact Renate Schroeder or Pamela Moriniére.