As a labor union, Local 1000 believes that all musicians, as cultural workers, have the right to a fair, equitable living wage and safe working conditions, free from harassment an discrimination.
This is the principle behind Fair Trade Music, an exciting, far-reaching Local 1000 organizing campaign. Fair Trade Music envisions a cultural community where presenters guarantee fair wages and safe working conditions for every musician they hire, union member or not.
Fair Trade Music brings together performers, presenters, and listeners to create a stronger, more sustainable music community. With Fair Trade Music, everybody wins.
UPDATE: We now have merch! CLICK HERE to purchase t-shirts, stickers, guitar picks and to access free downloadable postcards to spread the Fair Trade Music word far and wide!
Here’s how…
Performers: Imagine a world where most of your gigs take place at Fair Trade Music venues: a world where you no longer need to fight for every dollar in compensation; where you feel valued and respected; and where your work is dignified with a performance-ready stage and a private, secure green room.
Perhaps you already perform at Fair Trade Music venues. When you do, be sure to thank the presenter, both on- and off-stage. And while you’re at it, let your audiences know that you are a member of Local 1000.
If your favorite presenters have not yet signed on to Fair Trade Music, why not advocate for yourself and all musicians by encouraging them to join Fair Trade Music? Need more information? You can read our Venue FAQ to find out what presenters need to know about our campaign.
We have an informational postcard, t-shirts and stickers to help you spread the word, too!
And if you’re not a member of Local 1000, what are you waiting for? Join the Traveling Musicians Union and the movement for better wages and working conditions for all musicians.
Presenters: Being known as a Fair Trade Music venue earns you the respect of musicians and their fans alike. Chances are you got into this business because you love the music and want to bring it to your community. Displaying a Fair Trade Music sign in your venue lets patrons know you are committed to just, equitable treatment of the artists who mean so much to them.
In the fair trade movement, distributors of goods charge a bit more and the consumer pays a bit more because they believe that workers must be treated fairly. Their choices ripple throughout their communities. When you become a Fair Trade Music venue, you help spread respect for the music, those who create it and the audiences who love it.
You’re probably already operating according to the principles of Fair Trade Music, so why not add your name to our list of Fair Trade Music venues? You can read our Venue FAQ to get more information and learn about our campaign.
We also have an informational postcard and stickers to help you let your community know your venue is a Fair Trade Music venue!
Listeners: Music enriches your life. You feel a bond with the performers who create it, and you want them to continue performing and touring. Imagine knowing that the price of your ticket helps provide them with a decent standard of living, and that the presenter who brings them to you cares enough to ensure this. Encourage your friends to attend events at Fair Trade Music venues. Spread the word!
Perhaps you already buy fair trade coffee, clothing or other items. You believe those who produce them deserve a livable wage and safe working conditions. Now you can advocate the same for the cultural workers. Encourage your favorite presenters to join Fair Trade Music and put your entertainment dollars toward a better standard of living for the musicians who give you so much.
We have an informational postcard, t-shirts and stickers to help you spread the word, too!
Looking for More Information?: Check out our venue FAQ Page.
Contact the Fair Trade Music Committee Chair: FairTradeMusic @ Local 1000 DOT org
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