Latvijas Koncerti board member: musicians' pay is unacceptable, protests may follow

Timurs Tomsons, a board member of the organisation "Latvijas Koncerti", has said publicly that he is not satisfied with the pay of musicians in professional ensembles and that unrest is building in the sector. Tomsons joined the board about four months ago.

His wording is blunt. He stressed that the situation with musicians' salaries is not acceptable and suggested the sector may move to open action. He is quoted as saying: "We will take to the streets." This points to possible protests through which musicians and their representatives could draw attention to the pay issue.

The source does not mention specific salary figures, a list of demands, possible protest dates or locations. It also does not explain what steps will be taken in talks with the responsible institutions, nor whether this position reflects the view of the entire board.

The statement is notable because the warning of possible street protests comes from someone who holds a leading position in a music-sector organisation himself, rather than from an outside observer. How the situation develops will become clearer once concrete decisions and negotiation outcomes are known.