The Key Benefits of Joining an Entertainment Union or Guild
If you are working in the entertainment industry as a performer, writer, director, musician, or any other position, joining a union or guild could provide a range of benefits that could help improve your career prospects and financial security.
Secure and fair pay
One of the primary benefits of belonging to a union or guild is that they help to ensure you receive fair pay for your work. Unions and guilds negotiate with employers to establish minimum rates of pay and to ensure that members are paid properly for their work. This can help to prevent exploitation and ensure that you are properly compensated for your work, which is especially important for new performers or freelancers.
Access to Health Insurance and Pension Plans
Belonging to a union or guild often means gaining access to health insurance and pension plans. These benefits can be vital in the entertainment industry, which often requires irregular hours and long periods of work without a stable income. Joining a union or guild can be a smart move to secure benefits that could support you throughout your career in the industry.
Job security and top-up payments during breaks
Members of unions and guilds also often benefit from job security, as these organizations have their own hiring process. When joining a union or guild, you are on their call list which allows you direct access to job opportunities. This can be especially important for actors and actresses who do not have long term contracts. If there is a break between acting jobs and an actor is unable to secure a full-time position, unions can be helpful to assist them with top-up payments during periods when they are out of work.
Networking opportunities
Another benefit of belonging to a union or guild is the networking potential that comes along with it. Being a part of a guild or union can help bring connections and offers to the table. This can help you remain up-to-date with the latest industry news and trends, whilst opening new doors for future opportunities within the industry. Furthermore, networking opportunities grants one access to tip-offs for roles and even auditions that are not easily accessible in the industry.
Conclusion
Joining entertainment unions and guilds offers numerous benefits to individuals who are trying to establish a career in the industry. Beyond fair pay, job security, and health insurance and pension plans, membership can bring opportunities for networking and the chance to improve upon pre-existing skills and knowledge. Ultimately, joining a union or guild can help support your career goals and provide a stable platform to develop upon.
