"Actually, the union's helped me a lot. They've gotten lots of money for me. Little things that you forget. Big things - special payment funds, special funds that come when you need'em."

"When I'm hiring musicians for a session or gig, I just get the union membership directory for names and phone numbers. I figure if they're not in the Union, they're not serious."

"I have been a union musician since I was 15 (49 years ago!) and began my career in the Northeast US, where musicians cannot play without a union card. The union has been an integral part of my life as a professional symphony and gig musician. I rely on the union's assistance during symphony contract negotiations and look forward to the union's assistance in my retirement years."