The Berlin Senate has issued a press release stating that, for the time being, they will not turn freelance fee contracts into regular employments at public music schools in Berlin, unlike many other German municipalities aiming to achieve legal security in consequence of a decision of the Federal Social Court, which clarified that teaching positions in music schools are subject to social insurance contributions. Instead, the Berlin administration goes for a continuation of the status quo with 77 percent freelance faculty, offering the prospect of financial compensation for those of the 12 districts that might face a loss due to possible back payments of employer’s contributions. In my opinion, this is an irresponsible approach that does not help the situation of freelance teachers at all, but encourages the district authorities to stick to a potentially unlawful practice. I authored a statement with my colleagues from the board of the Tonkünstlerverband Berlin, discussing the HR policy of the Senate and its possible results, and proposing some alternative strategies for a future-oriented operation of music schools.
Musician・Researcher・Digital Content Creator