Unions are having a second, as they are saying, in the USA. Within the arts, that union exercise contains the SAG-AFTRA and (not too long ago resolved) WGA strikes. There are numerous totally different unions that serve dance artists. Every covers totally different corners of the dance sector, and every has barely totally different guidelines and rules. There are numerous totally different lengthy names and acronyms. It’s simple to get confused and have many questions: do I be part of, do I’ve to hitch, which union do I be part of, and what can I count on?
First issues first: why be part of a union, you could ask? Unions assist hold everybody concerned (each performers and their employers) clear on performers’ rights — in fee and in advantages comparable to healthcare, working circumstances and past. They permit for “collective bargaining”, a flowery phrase for employees (sure, artists) coming collectively to barter for his or her rights.
If artists collectively resolve to ask for extra, they’ll – and strike, if it involves that. Moreover, unions are solely as impactful as how a lot members converse up once they’re encountering contract violations; enforcement issues. Dancers comprehend it intuitively: we’re stronger collectively.
Ought to I be part of? Union perks and downsides
It’s additionally essential to acknowledge tradeoffs that include union membership. There are utility charges and common dues. Some unions additionally prohibit taking non-union work. Putting can include durations of being barred from working (to notice: efforts to assist artists by way of these durations do usually emerge).
For these tradeoffs, one receives helpful protections – comparable to requirements in pay and dealing circumstances, in addition to battle decision and different authorized protections. Union membership additionally comes with varied perks, relying on the union: unique auditions, healthcare protection and reductions on important companies, for instance.
Let’s have a look at the specifics of every U.S.-based union that represents dancers.
AGMA members are “singers, dancers and staging workers in opera, live performance dance and live performance choral efficiency.” If you happen to’re in a live performance dance firm or dance in operas, that is your union!
Above and past collective bargaining, do I get any particular perks?
AGMA membership comes with quite a lot of advantages in finance, auto and healthcare. As a way to assist fellow members experiencing monetary problem, members can contribute to the AGMA Aid Fund. Ought to members expertise monetary hardship, these funds are there to assist.
How and when do I be part of?
One can apply to hitch AGMA when working below an AGMA contract. That comes with which firm or venture you’re working for.
As a member, can I do non-union work?
AGMA permits its members to work below non-union contracts “inside its jurisdiction” (in different phrases, the sub-sector of the humanities and leisure sector that it covers).
Actors’ Fairness represents all stage actors and performers – so in the event you’re dancing in a musical or different theatrical manufacturing/venture, this union can symbolize you.
How and when do I be part of?
Below Fairness Open Entry, any performer or stage supervisor who has been paid to work on a manufacturing in the USA can apply to hitch AEA.
Are there any particular perks?
AEA classifies its advantages as contract advantages (comparable to minimal pay and dealing situation requirements, in addition to medical insurance and battle mediation) and membership advantages (together with member reductions, seminars and particular occasions, and tax help).
As a member, can I do non-union work?
AEA members are usually not permitted to work below non-Fairness contracts or for non-Fairness theaters.
Display Actors Guild – American Federation of Tv and Radio Artists: SAG-AFTRA (sagaftra.org)
Is it for me?
SAG-AFTRA represents performers “in movie and digital movement photos, tv packages, commercials, video video games, company/academic and non-broadcast productions, new media, tv and radio information shops, in addition to main label recording artists.” If you happen to’re dancing in movie, tv or music movies, or doing movement seize for a online game, this union is for you!
Are there any particular perks?
SAG-AFTRA members who earn at or above a minimal wage on “SAG-AFTRA lined employment” are entitled to the SAG-AFTRA Well being Plan. Different perks embrace pension plans and an unique casting database.
How and when do I be part of?
Potential members should meet particular eligibility necessities: “proof of SAG-AFTRA, SAG or AFTRA lined employment as a principal performer…; proof of three days of SAG-AFTRA, SAG or AFTRA employment as a background actor; or employment below an affiliated performers’ union.” It’s extra in regards to the tasks you’re engaged on than merely deciding to hitch.
As a member, can I do non-union work?
Working below a non-union contract as a member can result in fines and even expulsion from the union. One can work on a non-union venture, nevertheless, if the producer agrees to them working below a union contract (making the producer a “signatory” – and, apparently, that’s truly one thing that the union encourages).
American Guild of Selection Artists: AGVA (agvausa.com)
Is it for me?
AGVA members embrace dancers who dance in theme parks, non-book touring exhibits (in different phrases, musicals with out dialogue), cabarets/golf equipment, and for “non-public events and particular occasions.” Dancers who work as acrobats in circuses additionally fall below AGVA’s jurisdiction.
Are there any particular member perks?
AGVA member “perks” embrace medical insurance, the AGVA Sick and Aid Fund (for members who expertise monetary hardship), and unique auditions.
How and when do I be part of?
AGVA membership comes with signing an AGVA contract (for an AGVA venue or venture). Performers might also apply to hitch as an Impartial Selection Artist or as an artist who self-produces “exhibits and appearances.”
As a member, can I do non-union work?
This data is a bit laborious to seek out – however one supply affirms that usually, sure. “AGVA serves to assist its members’ careers and financial livelihoods” – so it doesn’t wish to impede members from acquiring gainful employment or constructing their careers, in any nook of the leisure business.
