Nude models brave cold to protest low pay

Reuters ^ | 16 December 2008 | James Mackenzie

[george76]

Artists' models in Paris stripped naked Monday, braving freezing temperatures to protest against a ban on tips and to demand better pay and recognition.

More than 20 male and female models, some posing nude while others were draped in a colorful array of shawls, sheets and fur coats, took part in the protest that had the backing of two of France's biggest labor unions.

The action was triggered by a recent decision by the Paris authorities to enforce a ban on artists' tips, known as "cornet" after the rolled-up cone of drawing paper in which painters traditionally dropped some money for their models.

"We're very badly paid and it's always been that way," said model Carole Kras, who joined others in the courtyard of a 16th century palace that houses the Paris cultural affairs offices.

"We've always had the 'cornet' to make up for some of that but now they want to get rid of it," she said, as shivering colleagues got dressed after briefly disrobing.

[xcamel]

close enough.

[absolootezer0]

you seen this one yet?

[j_guru]

by the looks of the photo, not only are they under paid, but under fed.

[garv]

If anyone has a burning need to see the pictures they were on the Huffington Post earlier today. Personally, it isn’t worth giving that site the hit.

[george76]

Sometimes using one’s imagination is better than actually seeing the picture ?

[dfwgator]

Yes. I’m thinking of 20 naked Salma Hayek lookalikes.

[george76]

I never go there

[george76]

That would be nice.

But these model only earn $13 per hour.

[george76]

$ 13 per hour does not buy much these days.

Even in Paris?

[OB1kNOb]

"It's shrinkage!"

[Billthedrill]

Sheesh, what’s the guy in the middle modeling for? Death-camp survivor? BTT...

[garv]

I wound up there by following a link this morning and lo and behold the nude model story was in the sidebar under most viewed. I looked purely for sociological reasons and quickly made my exit.

[Travis T. OJustice]

Judging by the pics, they should just buy chinese cadavers, slightly used, only one bullet hole. No griping or moaning.

[Onelifetogive]

See, you just had to click the link, didn't ya!

Hehehe...I saw her muffs!

[enraged]

The only thing not ‘safe’ is she looks like a dude!

[ichabod1]

Oh no you di’int

[ichabod1]

That man looks like a cadaver. I can’t imagine he gets paid to let people draw him.

[SunkenCiv]

Hey, see, now, they’re strippers at this point — that’ll be good for a big pay boost.

[SunkenCiv]

Oooh, I love that.