Bandcamp United Takes the ‘W’
Bandcamp United announced its win via social media on Friday, 19 May 2023.
Two words: “We Won.”
In a 31-7 vote, the newly-formed union Bandcamp United solidified its status as a collective bargaining unit at the popular music streaming platform. The union is affiliated with Tech Workers Union Local 1010.
The winning vote comes on the heels of months of organizing efforts in which the employees put their music promoting savvy into the fight for a better, fairer, and more equitable workplace.
There was an urgency in this fight that came into ever greater relief after video game giant Epic Games purchased Bandcamp and put the future of the company into a cloud of uncertainty. The streaming platform had built a reputation as a site that consistently offered musicians a better cut of profits gained through the sale of their music. Would the art- and artist-centered approach survive the corporate transition?
That remains to be seen. With the formation of Bandcamp United, the workers who valued the reputation that they helped Bandcamp build will have a stronger voice in discussions about the future of the company.
A difficult road remains ahead, as many fledgling unions have learned who have watched contract negotiations grind on for months and years. The union at Bandcamp will have to retain its resolve and focus to come out the other side with a contract worth the fight.
But before looking further down the road, celebrate the moment with the workers and their pets at Bandcamp United.
When we fight, we win.
