Professional advice in a trade union
Members of the Danish Artist Union have in common that most of them work in diverse careers. For many, an individual contract is important, and we can help with that via the strongest legal department in the industry. Here you will get help with what your rights are, what you should be aware of, and that there is legislation that protects you as an artist.
We can also help if you become available, go on maternity leave or have to take sick leave. We have specialists in these areas who know the public system and are ready to help you as an artist navigate the rules, which don't always suit those of us working in variable employment.
As a trade union, we also have collective agreements. This means that pay and working conditions have been pre-negotiated with major institutions and organisations such as IFPI (the record companies' industry association), Danmarks Radio, Danske Hospitalsklovne and others. This does not mean that you cannot negotiate your pay, quite the opposite. However, you are in a stronger position with your employer when you stand together with your colleagues, and many of the things that can be difficult to demand in a short period of employment are laid down in advance.
Working Environment Helpline and Cooperation Guide
In recent years, there has been a growing debate among colleagues and in the media about the working environment for artists. The Danish Artist Union's board has decided to open our advisory services to non-members as well. This means that anyone working in the performing arts and music industries can seek help with a workplace environment issue. How you are helped further is up to the assessment of the employee you speak with. Sometimes, the first conversation is sufficient; other times, you will be referred to an affiliated occupational psychologist specialising in the working environment. If you are a member, we can offer to take the case further legally or even, on occasion, pursue it on principle as part of the union's trade union work to change the more fundamental structures in the industries.
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Sometimes, something entirely different from law or psychological help is needed, and we believe that prevention and knowledge can be good tools in those cases. Therefore, we have prepared Guide to good collaboration together with the members. It speaks to the difficult situation where your employer is a friend, or where you as an artist are faced with responsibilities you weren't sure were yours. Find the guide here.
The guide provides a checklist and some good advice on how to approach a difficult conversation beforehand, or what you can do if it gets stuck.
It's a good idea to contact the association if you have the slightest doubt.
