Commissioner Barnier asked to investigate unfair contracts

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.