Sabam bill hinders Ford Genk benefit gig

A series of benefit concerts supposed to take place outside the Ford Genk factory gates is on hold because of the threat of a hefty bill from authors’ rights society Sabam. Many pop, rock and folk acts had volunteered to play benefit concerts outside the factory – in support of the 4,300 workers who learnt last month that they will lose their jobs when the plant closes in 2014 at the latest – but the spectre of a Sabam invoice has jeopardised the plans. Union reps claim that Sabam inspectors turned up at the factory and gave the organisers a quote of about €15,000. Sabam denies that any estimate was given but admits that union reps did get in touch with a Sabam inspector who was “very cautious” about any potential invoice. Christophe Depreter, director-general of Sabam, admitted that the issue was thorny. Authors’ rights are different from performing fees – their being waived doesn’t mean Sabam cannot collect their due. The first concert was supposed to take place last night, but was cancelled. Sabam’s directors are expected to meet today to discuss whether to make an exception.