Makcim Fernandez Samodaiev, solo cellist of the Sibiu Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, has reached breaking ppoint after two fruitless years of labour negotiations.
He tells Slippedisc:
Today, during the negotiations for the Collective Labor Agreement, which began back on May 19, 2023, I made a difficult but necessary decision. Seeing how the leadership of the Sibiu State Philharmonic continuously disrespects us, the artists, and consistently refuses to acknowledge the reality within the institution, I have decided to go on a hunger strike, right inside the Philharmonic’s headquarters.
For the past 5 years, we’ve been living through an indescribable experience: we’ve been subjected to repeated disciplinary investigations, several colleagues have been abusively fired, and our protests — including the 7 months we spent on the streets in front of the County Council — have been ignored.
What am I asking for?
Together with the entire artistic team, we are demanding a fair Collective Labor Agreement, respect in the workplace, and most importantly, the protection of this ensemble that carries a valuable cultural heritage.
I have reached this extreme gesture because we have no other choice left. I will fight by all peaceful means for our rights.
The post Principal cello goes on hunger strike appeared first on Slippedisc.
