Angers, France – A wave of concern is rippling through France’s performing arts community as dozens of intermittent workers took to the streets in Angers this week to protest proposed changes to their employment status. The demonstration, involving approximately 50 artists and technicians, reflects a broader national movement sparked by concerns that a planned increase in required working hours will effectively disqualify a significant portion of the workforce.

The core of the dispute centers on the “intermittent” status, a unique French system designed to support those in the performing arts who often experience irregular employment. Currently, workers must accumulate 507 hours of work annually to qualify for the benefits associated with this status, which includes unemployment assistance to supplement income during periods of inactivity. The MEDEF, France’s largest employer organization, is now advocating for raising that threshold to 557 hours, a change that many fear will render the system inaccessible to a substantial number of artists.

“It’s a matter of survival,” declared Claire Bossé, a member of a French artists’ union, during the protest outside the MEDEF Anjou headquarters. “This represents a terrible blow to culture. We are furious.” The action in Angers was part of a nationwide call to action organized by SUD Culture, CGT Spectacle, and the Syndicat National des Arts Vivants, highlighting the widespread anxiety within the sector.

The proposed change has ignited fears that up to 25% of intermittent workers – potentially more than 10,000 people nationally – could lose their status within the next three years, according to Bossé. Laura Cabourg, a dancer, explained the practical implications: “Today, 507 hours equates to 43 engagements. For a dancer like myself, a play typically runs for about two and a half performances. This means you’d need to be involved in around 20 different productions a year, securing nearly 10 additional engagements, just to maintain your intermittent status. It’s simply impossible.”

The situation is further complicated by recent budget cuts to the cultural sector in the Pays de la Loire region, which, according to Bossé, have already made it difficult for many to reach the current 507-hour threshold. Data from Sud Culture indicates that intermittent workers currently average around 419 hours of work per year. The union is advocating for a reduction in the required hours, rather than an increase.

A technician participating in the Angers protest, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern for emerging artists. “This will be exceptionally difficult for young people. And with them, it’s new artistic ideas that will disappear.” The uncertainty surrounding employment opportunities is too a significant worry, with artists reporting a decline in available positions and diminishing financial support, such as the Fonds National pour l’Emploi dans le Spectacle (FONPEPS), a national fund for employment in the performing arts.

“There is no question that these things will pass today,” Bossé asserted. “There are still a huge number of people who attend performances. Spectacle is vital, It’s essential. We will fight to continue to survive, to even live.” The government has reportedly warned the social partners that it may intervene if negotiations stall.

The MEDEF Anjou, the local branch of the national employer organization, recently highlighted its commitment to economic growth and job creation in the Anjou region, with a conference on cybersecurity scheduled for March 26, 2026. More information about the MEDEF Anjou’s activities can be found on their website.

The debate over the intermittent worker status underscores the precarious nature of employment in the arts and the ongoing tension between economic considerations and the preservation of cultural vitality. As negotiations continue, the future of thousands of artists and the landscape of French performing arts hang in the balance.

The next steps in this unfolding situation will likely involve further negotiations between the MEDEF, unions, and the government. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the future of the French cultural sector and the livelihoods of those who contribute to it.

Disclaimer: This article provides information about a developing situation and should not be considered professional financial or employment advice. If you are an intermittent worker affected by these changes, please consult with your union representative or a legal professional for personalized guidance.

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