Published
Wed, Mar 6, 2024, 18:30
- The United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) union and Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced the act to Congress yesterday.
The United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) union has introduced a bill to Congress aiming to create more streaming royalties.
Introduced yesterday, March 6th, with the support of US Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Jamaal Bowman, the Living Wage for Musicians Act is proposing an additional revenue stream paid directly to artists.
The royalty would be funded through platform subscription fees and a ten-percent levy on non-subscription revenue, and is designed to ensure that artists receive a minimum of one penny per stream, an amount calculated to provide a working-class artist a living wage from streaming. UMAW has launched a petition supporting the bill.
"Streaming has changed the music industry, but it's leaving countless artists struggling to make ends meet behind," said Congresswoman Tlaib. "It's only right that the people who create the music we love get their fair share, so that they can thrive, not just survive."
UMAW has also spearheaded the Fair Pay at SXSW campaign. The union has organised a protest concert and rally to coincide with this year's festival, which takes place from March 8th through 16th.
Sign the petition, and browse Instagram for more information.
Photo: Ian Hutchison