The formation of the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) marks a pivotal moment in the struggle for artists’ rights, signaling a shift from individual protest to organized, collective bargaining. By applying the principles of the labor movement to the creative economy, UMAW is fighting for a “New Deal” for musicians in the digital age.
Founded at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, UMAW brought together musicians who recognized their shared vulnerability as workers in a precarious industry. As co-founder Joey DeFrancesco states, the union’s goal is to “act collectively,” acknowledging that while individual boycotts are valuable, true systemic change requires the unified power of a labor organization.
UMAW’s strategy is multi-pronged. They engage in direct action, as seen in their successful campaign to pressure SXSW to cut ties with military sponsors. This victory proved that an organized artist bloc could exert real influence on major industry institutions, holding them accountable on ethical grounds.
Beyond direct action, the union is focused on structural reform through political channels. Their advocacy for the Living Wages for Musicians Act is a game-changing move. By lobbying for legislation that would regulate streaming payouts, they are attempting to rewrite the fundamental economic rules of the industry, treating fair pay not as a corporate choice but as a legal requirement.
The existence of UMAW changes the entire dynamic of the anti-Spotify movement. It provides an organizational anchor, a strategic brain, and a powerful, unified voice. It transforms a scattered group of disgruntled artists into a formidable labor force demanding its fair share and a seat at the table.