Colin Hemmingsen's Column

Rip It Up, Issue 6, 1 November 1977, Page 12

Colin Hemmingsen's Column

What has the Union done for me? That's a question often asked by non members, and I can only reply, “much more —if YOU were a member". Every body of workers, professional or otherwise, Architects, Lawyers, Doctors, Teachers have their guild, association, federation or whatever, and they all recognise the necessity of being able to speak with one voice for their common good. Why should musicians be an exception? I think many musicians are put off by the word ‘Union’, which conjures up impressions of striking and militancy, so perhaps if it was called the Association of Musicians', or the ‘Musicians’ Federation’ it would have more appeal. However, regardless of the name, the aims and purpose of the musicians Union would remain the same, that is to improve the conditions of employment for the working musician. Some say, "But I don’t need the Union, I get paid above award anyway". That may be so, but it’s certainly not the rule and besides, if there was no Union, there would be no basic rate to rise above, 18-20 year olds would not be permitted to work in licensed premises and the Immigration department would not have an agreement with the Union to prevent an influx of overseas players taking work from New Zealand musicians, especially in licensed premises.

The Union handles approximately 30 disputes a year, but according to the National Secretary, Neil McGough, most of these arise because of musicians failing to make adequate contracts with their employers in the first place. The Union has a stack of standard contracts and letters of engagement available to all members as a safeguard for any contract, be it for an engagement of one day to one year. I don’t know how many times I've heard musicians complain about the treatment received from employers, breaking contracts, lowering fees at the last minute, dismissing without adequate reason etc, etc. When I

they join the Union and then malfe a written complaint, theV say, "great idea-,/arjd. then do nothing. Of course the Union can do nothing ab6ut complaints it neverJnearsnMHHfcEflHßflßflHH

I regard being a member of the Musicians' Union in the samelight as having my instruments insured —a necessity. And it's not only for my benefit, but for the benefit of my fellow musicians, "United we stand", etc, etc. I may not agree personally, with the basic rates as they stand now; generally I think they are too low when it is considered the outlay a musician has today in instruments, electrical equipment etc, but rates and conditions can only improve in direct proportion to the strength of the union.

Before you dismiss it as unnecessary, at least visit your local branch, ask them what they are doing, why they are doing it, how can they help you, and then make a balanced judgment for yourself. For example, are you aware of the basic rates for touring within New Zealand, how much should you be paid for rehearsals? Branches of the Musicians Union in Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill would be pleased to answer your queries. If you are not happy with the Union as it stands, attend the next Annual General Meeting and at least make your views known.