This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
Since 1689, dancers at the Paris Opera have enjoyed a special retirement regime, a privilege they now fear will be taken away due to pension reform. The dancers, who are hired at 16 and work long hours, have a high injury risk and are expected to retire by 42.
"In 20 years with this company, this is the first time that I saw dancers in the streets," said Alexandre Carniato, a dancer and troupe representative on pension matters, in an interview with AFP.
The dancers, who are protesting the government's plan to unify 42 separate pension schemes into a single points-based system, are concerned about finding new jobs at the age of 42. They earn a pension of 1,067 euros per month, which would be reduced if the special regime is abolished.
The strike has caused the cancellation of several top ballet, opera, and theatre shows in Paris, resulting in a loss of 1.8 million euros in ticket revenues. The performances cancelled have included the great classical ballet "Raymonda" and the modern ballet "Le Parc".
"The Paris Opera Ballet is the only employer in France to train its future employees from the age of eight," tweeted dancer Adrien Couvez, highlighting the high rate of work accidents in the sector.
French Culture Minister Franck Riester confirmed that the Paris Opera's special regime would disappear, but promised that the realities of certain jobs would still be taken into account.
