[Dixielandjazz] Pay Scales

[Gluetje1 at aol.com]

Bravo, and a great two cents, in my opinion.  As far as I can discern,  I am 
in one of those areas, where Union now equates to classical (as in  symphony) 
musician.  But you are right Dave, that could not have happened  if the 
"complain rather than act" probable-majority had not let it happen.   And it could 
be changed---hmnn, but might require action other than walking  away.  May your 
words reach many who can and will build what you  have.
Ginny
 
In a message dated 4/8/2007 12:33:03 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
jazzdude39 at comcast.net writes:

As a  long time Union member I know what has been going on for a number of 
years. I  do want to remind you that the Union is YOU, not the building or the 
people  that work there.  If you don't come to meetings, get rid of sorry  
officers, come up with effective by-laws and generally get involved, then you  get 
what has happened to the AFM. Networking is very important and instrument  
insurance is easily available and the pension fund has over 1.7 billion  dollars 
in it, and pays out a staggering amount monthly to retirees that have  been 
vested after just 5 years. 

I'm a professional musician and never  thought twice about whether or not I 
need to remain a member. There are a lot  ot of horror stories and I think we 
have all heard them. I know I will raise  the ire of some on this list, but I 
continue as an active member and host a  weekly session here in Atlanta every 
Tuesday evening and have 94 people on my  mailing list. It's open to non-union 
as well to members, and is a community  outreach program that has been going 
on for seven years. Many players have  been hired for gig's from this effort 
and we don't give a whit whether they  are members or not.

Just my two cents worth.

Dave  Hanson







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