What is the Fair Pay to Play Campaign?

[Musicians Union]

The Fair Pay to Play campaign is a group of Portland musicians
organized by the Portland Musicians Union to establish a fair and
livable standard of pay for local club musicians.

Music is a critical part of Portland's international reputation as a
vibrant center for arts and culture, a magnet for the creative
community, and therefore a desirable place to live and work. Yet most
professional musicians struggle to earn a living at their craft, most
lack health insurance, and many have to work second or third jobs to
pay the bills. While we recognize the difficulties venues face trying
to survive in our current business climate, our research indicates
that many venues could and should offer equitable pay to the musicians
who enhance both their establishments and their bottom line. Many
venues opt to take a cut out of the door money to pay their sound and
door staff, money that traditionally goes to the musicians.

“My band…headlined at [a local venue] last year. 245 people paid 7
dollars at the door. This means the [venue] grossed $1715. We were
paid only $250.” – Levi Cecil

According to data we collected:
·73.46% of Portland musicians feel that what they're currently being
paid is unfair.
·On average, Portland musicians spend an additional 3.25 hours
preparing for their show per hour of performing.
·The average annual income for a Portland musician is $8721.44 - well
below the federal poverty level of $10,400.00.

“When a band performs for exposure, they expose themselves to
poverty.” - Norman Sylvester

We are asking venue owners to partner with the Fair Pay to Play
campaign and agree to pay equitable wages to performers. There are
five levels of participation, so every venue -- from the large
nightclub to the corner coffeehouse -- can join at the level that
suits its size and budget. Participation will earn the venue a Fair
Pay to Play logo to proudly display in a visible location, promotional
listings on the Fair Pay to Play website directory, and the reputation
of hosting quality talent.

“One of the problems with playing club gigs is negotiating the
standards and practices of each different club. There is no standard
business model.” – Dave Fleschner

As our campaign builds, you can support the right of working musicians
to receive equitable wages by supporting those venues that have signed
on and display the Fair Pay to Play logo. Just as fair-trade programs
raise the standard of living for otherwise impoverished workers,
patronizing Fair Pay to Play clubs will help Portland musicians, and
help maintain Portland's vibrant music community.

Well paid, happy, healthy musicians enhance club atmosphere, customer
satisfaction and revenue, ultimately creating an improved music scene,
stronger economy and higher quality of life in Portland.

Please join the Fair Pay to Play campaign!
For more information call 503-235-8791, email off...@afm99.org or
visit www.afm99.org.