⁍ Across the world, the coronavirus outbreak and lockdowns have led to widespread cancellations and postponement of events.

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⁍ Workers, from sound technicians to stage managers, quickly found themselves in a tight spot.

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⁍ Some companies have seen their revenues drop more than 80% during the pandemic.

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– Pandemic No. 19 has hit hard in Portugal, where hundreds of event workers took to the streets of Lisbon last night to call for government help, Reuters reports. The nation was one of the first to close down venues due to the virus, which has forced the cancellation of hundreds of concerts and other events. “We were the first sector to close and we will be the last reopen,” says a 20-year-old protester. “We are trying to change that. We all need money.” The Portuguese Association of Technical Services for Events (APSTE) says some companies have seen their revenues drop more than 80% during the pandemic. The group is calling on the government to “take the necessary measures for the events and shows industry to survive.” The government has promised $35 million for the cultural sector as a whole, but many say that’s not enough. “There are a lot of people in the sector without a contract. These people are completely forgotten at the moment,” says the director of an events company. “People who work in the sector are going through a very critical situation.” Similar protests took place in other European cities, including Manchester, England.