Fair Pay

Fair Pay is one of the pillars of the Fair Practice Code: fair compensation for everyone working in the cultural and creative sectors. Virtually all cultural organizations endorse this code, but in practice, achieving Fair Pay often proves to be a challenge. How do you know what you’re worth? And how do you ensure that you actually receive appropriate compensation?

What is Fair Pay?

Fair Pay goes beyond the statutory minimum wage. It’s about compensation that reflects your qualifications, experience, and responsibilities, and that is sufficient to allow you to do your job sustainably. Fair pay is therefore not only a moral issue, but also essential for a healthy labor market in the cultural sector.

Nevertheless, underpayment occurs regularly, especially at smaller organizations with limited budgets. The risk is that, out of a sense of commitment or enthusiasm, you might agree to a lower rate. However, by doing so, you put not only yourself but also your colleagues at a disadvantage: systematic underpayment makes the sector vulnerable.

How do you determine your worth?

Whether you’re a freelancer or a salaried employee, your compensation depends on your experience and responsibilities. Many people working in the cultural sector find it difficult to determine their worth. If you set your rate or salary expectation too high, it could cost you opportunities; if it’s too low, it might give the impression that your work is of lower quality.

Guidelines and recommended rates from unions and professional associations can serve as a reference. While these are not legally binding, they are often used as a starting point for grants, funding, or collective bargaining negotiations. In addition, always do your own research and discuss rates with colleagues who have similar experience and responsibilities.

💡 Tip: Useful resources include the Kunstenbond’s Rate Checker, the resources from Platform ACCT, and the information pages on Beroep Kunstenaar. The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and ZZPtarief.nl also offer practical support in determining an appropriate rate or salary.

Chain Tables

Within the sector, rates and working conditions are discussed at so-called “chain roundtables,” organized by Platform ACCT. These roundtables bring together workers, employers, agents, impresarios, training institutions, and venues. The goal is to reach joint, future-proof agreements that put the Fair Practice Code into practice. As a self-employed person or employee, you can use the outcomes of these sector-wide roundtables as a practical framework for determining your rate or wage demands, or to have a well-informed discussion with your client or employer.

Fair Pay for Salaried Employees

Are you a salaried employee? If so, your salary is usually determined by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This agreement sets out the terms regarding pay, leave, and retirement. When you start your new job, be sure to carefully negotiate the pay scale and step at which you’ll be placed; this will determine your pay increases in the years to come.

If there is little room for a pay raise, consider fringe benefits such as additional days off, travel expense reimbursement, or a training budget. Taking training programs and courses—for example, through Cultuur Academy can also be a strong argument when requesting a pay raise.

💡 Tip: You could also join a union or advocacy group to help shape working conditions and stay informed about changes to your collective bargaining agreement.