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Bill Scarlett Veteran user Vermont 366 Posts |
IBM is an association of magic enthusiasts, not a labor union that is supposed to represent it's members in labor negotiations. Saying otherwise to your client is factually false. When was the last time that IBM negotiated a contract for you?
I think Jim's suggestion is a good one, if you must be a card carrying union member in order to get the gig. |
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wizardofsorts Special user Chicago, IL 935 Posts |
Someone cannot just join Actors Equity and the Screen Actors Guild in America. You have to do a certain number of qualifing broadway/regional shows for Equity and Movies for SAG.
AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) is an open union and I think costs $500 to join plus yearly dues. Edd
Edd Fairman, Wizard of Sorts is a corporate magician available for your next trade show, hospitality suite, client luncheon, or company event. http://www.wizardofsorts.com
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Gordon Special user Chicago 692 Posts |
Jim -
The lack of a labor union specifically for magicians doesn't make it OK to lie to a client. At least, not in my book. The correct answer to the question of whether or not you belong to a union is "No." What's so hard about that? Tell them that magicians aren't organized if you'd like, sure. You're still not misrepresenting anything if you say that. |
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Gordon Special user Chicago 692 Posts |
Here are some other membership organizations you can use to trick clients into thinking you belong to a union.
Costco NetFlix The Magic Café Also, any Credit Union. Hey! It even has the word "union" right in the title. Just cough when you say "credit" and they'll never notice. Consider this a public service for the ethically-challenged. |
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TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
As Gordon suggest, there is no shame in telling the TRUTH! it only serves to show your true character to your new business and trust re-elationship! THIS is a GREAT THING by the way.
Will you GET the gig? Dunno! That is NOT the point though is it really? “Who care not what a man profit if in his soul he is bankrupt”. (Paraphrase) I think if you explain that you actually DO, in fact belong to a fraternal organization where you pay annual dues and are held to a code of ethics and that there really IS NO SUCH THING and a "magician's UNION" and if anyone is touting that lie to be weary of falsehoods and those who propagate such mistruths! THIS makes YOU look great as the go-to expert who KNOWS the insider skinny saving here from embarrassment with her union compatriots and co-workers, and even boss. Who knows, maybe they have some crazy union law/policy (In their group) that says they MUST ONLY hire "unionized" workers. If this is the case then, for magician's "specifically" she is out of luck and NO-ONE WINS anyway! (Including THEM cuz they don’t get a great magic show!) Heck, if someone else is representing themselves as being in some sort of "magician's (jugglers, clowns... etc) union" you can warn them of the situation, again, looking like the hero! (OTHER than AGVA, of course, but that is broad-based VARIETY Union, NOT "just a MAGICIAN'S Union", or at least to the best of our ability...) Again, no one ever has to cover their tracks when they speak and represent the TRUTH! – Everybody wins! Hope that helps some. I am at your service and In HIS Service, Deano <><
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
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keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
Check and see if you are in a right-to-work state.
If you are, I believe her question is mute, and you could get a decent labor lawyer possibly sue the union for not hiring you ( it has happened in the past, and hey - the unions made*cough*bought*cough* the rules - doesn't mean you too can't use them to your advantage!) - and that would be funnier than hell! If you don't - well - if they don't hire you on that basis, you probably don't need/want to work with them anyhow. Keith
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
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Doodad Regular user 140 Posts |
"...if you say that you are in a union because of your I.B.M. membership, you're being deceptive in your business practices."
Yeah! As a magician, you wouldn't want to be deceptive in any way! |
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Ashkenazi the Pretty Good Veteran user Northern California 366 Posts |
I'll say this:
If I was guaranteed substantially better pay, and not having to deal with some of the wacky managers I have had to because a union rep & contract prevented those problems, I'd be MORE than happy to pay the $75 & 2% this article starts with. But it sounds like this is a one-time shot, and the math doesn't work out. My, there are all sorts of emotions being triggered amongst the respondents here, eh? You know, people were shot and killed just 70 or so years ago four miles from where I'm writing this. Why? Because they wanted to make a living - feed their families. Evil stuff like that. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1934_West_C......e_Strike So I find the title of this posting unfortunate. I have many times thought that entertainers on the margin (say for example, magicians) could use a union to avoid the constant disrespect and abuse we encounter. Just my two fletkas. I don't think this is likely to happen. We magicians can't even agree on the best Double Lift, much less how much to charge and a health care package. AtPG
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We could have been practicing! |
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Sealegs Inner circle The UK, Portsmouth 2596 Posts |
In the UK at least Unions are specific bodies that have a legal status and are required to operate within specific laws. To claim to be a member of one when you are not is as unethical, in my opinion, as claiming to have public liability inssurance when you not not. For all I know it could even be considered illeagal misrepresention or even fraud.
There are unions for magicians. In the UK, as already mentioned above, it is Equity, the same union that is for actors and variety artistes of all kinds. (I understand there's a similar union in the US) However they of course have fees and, in the UK at least, they require % of income from union recognised work too. However in the UK you can join the musicians union. Anyone can join, you'd just pay your anual fee. I'm sure they'd be happy to welcome new members. If there's an equivilant in the US your problem is solved. Neal
Neal Austin
"The golden rule is that there are no golden rules." G.B. Shaw |
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keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
Re: I have many times thought that entertainers on the margin (say for example, magicians) could use a union to avoid the constant disrespect and abuse we encounter.
What kind of constant abuse and disrespect are you encountering, Ashkenazi? Keith
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
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