--- In
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, jeffc@... wrote:
>
> On Sat, 10 May 2008, Bernie wrote:
> >
> > As an aside, of what value is the union to musicians? They don't
seem to
> > benefit musicians in any way.
> >
> > Bernie
>
>
> they do pay pensions and benefits and make affordable insurance
available.
> they can also force labels/bookers to pay the going rate.
> [the side effect of which is you might stop getting booked]
> they also have been known to send referals.
>
> an old friend is in the union.
> he's an incredibly talented sax/keyboard player and an arranger.
> he's toured with some very prestigious acts.
> i think he does pretty good by them.
> at least i have never heard a single gripe or complaint, but he
> is on a wholly other level of musicianship than i, a mere hack.
>
> it's silly for them to meddle where it's not even profitable for
> them to do so, but it's likely that these meddlers have to prove
> their value to someone by making a little trouble here and there.
>
> i had an old girlfriend whose sister was paid by ASCAP to go to
> bars and track what songs the bands were playing. if i recall
> they also paid her bar tabs. she used to call it 'ASCAPing'.
>
> again, just meddling to justify your actions to whoever you
> may be answering to on any given day. she never gave a darn
> what became of the information she provided to ASCAP.
>
> but just like the AFM, they DO provide a benefit/service if
> you are on a level for them to bother with you.
>
> just my .02 on the question asked...
> jeff
>
Maybe things have changed. We never had pensions or any other
benefits like insurance way back when. All we had was harrasment. But
I think your last sentence somewhat describes the situation. It
depends on who you are.
Bernie