Dancers and other music video performers have been fighting for a union contract to cover all their work on music videos and guarantee benefits, fair pay, safety, and other basic job protections. Recently, the major record labels met with dancers for contract negotiations, but the labels did not agree to many of the most basic contract standards for performers. On May 19, the National Board of SAG-AFTRA, the performers’ union, met to consider instituting a Do Not Work Order for music videos.
SAG-AFTRA members’ unity and resolve to do whatever it takes to win dignity in the workplace paid off. On the eve of the National Board’s consideration of a Do Not Work Order, the labels offered to begin immediate discussions to resolve the toughest issues prior to their upcoming face-to-face negotiations May 30th and 31st. The newly merged entertainment union believes this movement signals the label’s willingness to try to negotiate a fair union contract by the 31st.
“This is a huge step in the right direction and a step towards our ultimate victory,” SAG-AFTRA released in a statement. “It’s proof that if we continue to stick together and support each other, we can achieve our milestone of a music video contract.”
Please visit the Dancers Alliance website: http://dancersalliance.org
(Article courtesy of The Overture, Professional Musicians Local 47, AFM)
