I left the Union many years ago because they never did anything to help me, and were always there with their hands out wanting some of my hard-earned money, so they could turn around and give it to the Symphony to support their concerts.
The only time I needed them, they let me down. I assumed it might be different in other cities, but apparently not.
I know the guy who is president of the local. Guess who's band gets first pick of any jobs that might come up through the union. I'd probably do the same thing in his position.
Side note: A couple of years ago, I played at the Miss Teen-age America pageant with the Louisiana Hayride Band. When I arrived for rehearsal, and later for the show, it surprised me than there were Union stage hands that had to carry my equipment in, set it up and even plug it in. What surprised me more, was that apparently that was the only thing they had to do all night. They sat around and drank coffee until time to unplug my keyboard and carry the whole 22 pounds to my van.
DonM

[This message has been edited by DonM (edited 02-05-2002).]