Klarinet Archive - Posting 000348.txt from 2003/02

From: "Steve Hartman" <sdh902@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Save Live Broadway
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 10:08:56 -0500

Kelly:

I'm not sure I understand your point. Are you saying that without Union representation there would
be more work AND most musicians would be making a better living than they are now? What 20% are you
talking about? Work dues in New York are only 3%. It's much cheaper for a producer to pay a
musician 10% more as an independent contractor than to pay Union scale: they don't have to pay
pension or health benefits or payroll taxes. Of course, then the musician has to pay for those
things (or not - hey, it's a free country) out of his/her own pocket.
Imagine a Broadway show without the Union: The Producer's son-in-law, who happens to play the
drums, is making $5000 dollars a week plus a share of the profits while the second violinist is
getting $400 a week plus no benefits. What Juilliard-trained violinist wouldn't jump at the chance
to make $50? And if there's a problem with working conditions you have two choices: quit or be
fired.

Just my two cents. I've got to go practice the clarinet.

Steve Hartman
NYC

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