The 5/21/2016 edition of TechCrunch published an article by Devin Coldewy that reports on a speech given by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) about the gig economy (such as Uber, not musician related gigging) that touches on some remarkably familiar concepts inside the orchestra field.
Here’s an excerpt of Warren’s speech included in the TechCrunch article (emphasis added):
The gig economy didn’t invent any of these problems. In fact, the gig economy has become a stopgap for some workers who can’t make ends meet in a weak labor market. The much-touted virtues of flexibility, independence, and creativity offered by gig work might be true for some workers under some conditions, but for many, the gig economy is simply the next step in a losing effort to build some economic security in a world where all the benefits are floating to the top 10%.
Inside the orchestra field, the approach of spinning musician wage cuts as increased flexibility, independence, and creativity to pursue personal artistic projects is a Labor Dispute 101 tactic that has been a go-to employer talking point, especially since the 2008 economic downturn.
Nonetheless, it’s fascinating to see the issue become a mainstream talking point within the national arena. Watching major political figures like Warren criticize the cornerstone of employment schemes from companies like Uber with such polished language could have a ripple effect on the orchestra field.
Specifically, it will be interesting to see if musician employees will begin incorporating her vernacular and approach into their own dated strategies whenever these points surface during a future labor dispute.
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Some version of universal health care, whatever you call it, would be the single thing that could reduce some panic and pain from the lives of workers of any type, but especially gig and 1099 workers. On the other hand, it could let employers short them. But withal, it would be a positive.
Warren’s speech included suggested changes and the TechCrunch article author offered up similar insights.this will be one of the most interesting areas to watch. Will these struggles produce new legislation or will things go through the courts, such as the recent suit against uber in CA where even though the company settled, the substantial sum provides validation for the existing model Warren is speaking out against.
If this does reach a point where legislative or executive efforts begin to gain momentum, keen observers will keep an eye on the respective performing arts service organizations (for the orchestra field, that would be The League of American Orchestra) lobbying efforts. Will they allocate lobbying efforts to push back against the sorts of reforms Warren suggests or remain out of the conversation?
As for the musicians’ unions, it would be surprising to see them fail to adopt a public position supporting legislation that embodies Warren’s current efforts.