Musicians' Union - Does it cost too much?
The Regional Secretary
Musicians’ Union
40 Canal Street
Manchester Ml 3WD
Feb 2003
Dear Bill,
Membership - Suggestion
As the main organiser of a small jazz group I have, for some time, been interested in joining the
Musicians' Union both to obtain the cover for any eventuality and to give support to your organisation. Having recently obtained details from the local secretary, Harold Salisbury, I find myself in something of a dilemma: having to pay £85-00 per year for membership when the total remuneration the band members are likely to receive is only around £1000-00. In other words, we view our music making a “leisure/hobby” activity which for tax purposes is classed as being “no profit/no loss.” In other words, when all expenses are paid there is no financial gain.
I feel that there must be many similar bands in the area (see Fred Burnett’s excellent website
(www.jazznorthwest.co.uk) who are in the same position. Individuals would, perhaps, be happy to pay a small sum each year to join your Union. May I suggest a payment of £10-00 per person or £50-00 per Band for, possibly, a reduced service. At present
I believe both sides are losing out when we should really be providing mutual support.
Of course, I realise that there are a number of drawbacks but as a constructive gesture I intend to send a copy of this letter to Fred Burnett with the request that he considers the contents and decides whether it can be usefully added to his website as a stimulus to debate.
Yours sincerely
Colin
Mason
The Pendle Jazzmen
I was a member of the Musicians Union with the Stockport Branch but when they moved the control of the entire membership to London I resigned. I am totally against centralisation. During my time as a member of the MU I found them to be completely in-effective for semi-pro musicians.
Your £85 would be going towards "Congestion Charges" My advice is forget the MU.
Cheers Mart Rodger.
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