Theatre concept presented from 2019
Future collective agreement from 2019 as basis for investments - city increases subsidy, employees make contribution
Städtische Theater Chemnitz gGmbH (STC) has presented a new concept for the development of its facilities from 2019. The city council is to decide on this on 9 November. The Supervisory Board voted unanimously in favour of the concept.
With the expiry of the in-house collective agreement for employees of the municipal theatres, which has been in place since January 2014, on 31 December 2018, a new collective agreement is to be introduced from 2019. With the concept now presented under the title "Invest model 'Kulturquartier' - rehearsal complex and stages at the opera house with a solidarity-based salary waiver for employees", the city and theatre are outlining the development for the coming years.
The basic idea behind the new concept is a future collective labour agreement that includes a salary waiver for employees. At the same time, the City of Chemnitz, as shareholder, agrees to make investments. The municipal subsidy will increase from 27.13 million euros in 2017 to 30.27 million euros per year in 2021. A resolution passed by the city council in June 2016 will also initially provide €12 million to optimise and relocate venues.
For Lord Mayor and Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board Barbara Ludwig, the concept presented and the early start to negotiations on a new future tariff are an important step for the further development of the municipal theatres: "With the concept presented, the city is expressly committing itself to the theatre. The significant increase in the subsidy and the provision of investment funds on such a scale are a clear sign of this. We are thus creating long-term planning security. This is not a matter of course for theatres. At the same time, it is a remarkable step when employees contribute to the future of the theatre by giving up their salaries. This is a positive basis for the theatre director to conclude negotiations with the trade unions on the conclusion of a contract in good time."
General Director Dr Christoph Dittrich: "We are breaking new ground and talking about the positive development of the theatre without major scenarios. I am very grateful for this, it characterises the cultural climate in our city. Securing the future of the theatre is a valuable asset for the artists and all employees, as is job security. At the same time, good theatre spaces are a magnet for visitors and even shape the entire cityscape. I am confident that I can win over the employees, the trade unions and all those responsible for this project, which really benefits everyone."