1. "Mainly because the industry as a whole isn't unionized..." In response to Reply # 0 Mon Nov-06-23 04:56 PM by CyrenYoung
..a complicated history (racism) helped divide what would likely be one of the largest unions in the world by now.
Although there are established unions for musicians, most professional performers opted to remain independent contractors (sounds crazy, but it was the only protection they had at the time in the face of racism). The threat of new technology (vinyl) allowing broadcasters/radio/labels to siphon their performance earnings and antitrust lawsuits led to the Department of Justice establishing consent decrees. Ironically, those very same consent decrees are what stand in the way of unionizing the industry.
2. "This is all spot on. At this point the only real benefits from " In response to Reply # 1
the musician unions is for supplemental things like benefits - health insurance and life insurance, some deals/discounts on certain things like from some instrument retailers, credit union membership depending on your local area, etc.
There’s little to no benefits for negotiation/collective bargaining with music labels or venues, because most musicians aren’t part of unions for them to have that power. Back in the day there was a negotiated scale rate for studio musicians who were part of the union, but that wasn’t also for lead artists who were at the mercy of the labels and those contracts.
5. "PRO's were born of the reluctance to unionize..." In response to Reply # 3 Mon Nov-06-23 04:39 PM by CyrenYoung
..While they're not "unions", they perform the task of organized collection & distribution of earnings/royalties, while maintaining certain standards regarding licensed performances.
*Please note: The challenges being faced during that era are very similar to modern times.
Back then, unions weren't viewed in the same perspective (esp for minorities). There were legitimate concerns regarding fair negotiation practices and regulation.
Crazy that so many musicians bolted from ASCAP for fear of unfair practices, only to join BMI (ironically, a PRO created by broadcasters --- the true monopoly).
6. "Musicians are people too... lol" In response to Reply # 4
..I've been one my entire life.
Its clear we (the industry) haven't always taken the correct action in support of our greater interest. We're currently witnessing that correction in real time.
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