Hundreds of Greek performing artists protested in Athens on Thursday amid a strike over legislative changes that put them on a par with school leavers for state pay and qualifications.

The row first erupted in December over a presidential decree that equated actors, musicians and dancers with high school graduates for the purpose of determining public sector pay and qualification levels.

Performing artists called a two-day on Wednesday and Thursday after the government submitted a draft bill on the subject, which they also dismissed as unacceptable.

The Greek entertainment association says the proposed changes “downgrade” theatre and cinema studies and “marginalise” artists.

They also note that the latest bill would enable the government to set their pay independently of collective labour agreements when employed by state entities.

A new strike in the sector has been called for February 8.

Source: AFP