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I have been an advocate of a closed shop for a while. Much like the IBEW, when you are union, you only work union jobs. If you scab, you get thrown out of the union. Come in clean, work clean, stay clean and leave clean. When you leave, resign and do whatever you want.
However, the performers I talked to don't see an advantage due to the loss of escorting income. Even the thought of group health insurance was not enough of a financial advantage to overcome the loss of escorting income.
I think LATATA will oppose a performers' group as well as they would not want to share their control of the talent pool with an organization that also represents talent: ie, competition.
Producers are also wary of a performer group due to the increased cost of doing business as they would have to pay more for talent in the group as talent would want a larger piece of the pie for giving up "other sources of income." Also, the talent may have a stronger voice in health and safety issues that some producers might find cramping their styles.
The health and safety of our performers reflect the health of our industry. If we don't create that healthy and safe environment for our performers some government agency will sooner or later.
In my view, talent holds the keys to the future of the industry. I do hope the performers get it together in a meaningful way. But, I think the organizing has to be a grassroots effort in order not to be co-opted by other interest groups.
Just my opinion.
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