Publicado
Fri, Mar 17, 2023, 12:10
- "We will have a voice in our working conditions and the power to hold Bandcamp accountable," the workers shared in a mission statement.
Bandcamp's US workforce has formed a union.
Launched in affiliation with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 1010, Bandcamp United is made up of workers from all departments of the music tech company.
"Forming our union is critical to our ability to do our best work and make good on the promise and mission of Bandcamp," the workers wrote in a mission statement. "With our union, we will have a voice in our working conditions and the power to hold Bandcamp accountable to the independent artists and labels who use it—most of whom are workers just like us, and for whom Bandcamp provides vital income to help sustain their creative projects."
The statement also said it aims to support and expand on Bandcamp's core values of fair economic conditions, direct support and transparency.
Todd Derr, a senior software engineer, believes that forming Bandcamp United is "the most effective way that Bandcamp workers can use their collective voice to ensure that it continues to be a great place to work—where all of us are treated fairly and equitably regardless of our position or background."
Bandcamp Union will "ensure that all employees can ask management tough questions without fear of retribution," said support specialist Cami Ramirez-Arau. "The integrity of workers who build Bandcamp is a crucial aspect of the company's ability to uphold its values. Bandcamp's core mission is best protected via collective action and workers having a seat at the table."
In March 2022, Bandcamp was acquired by Epic Games, the gaming giant responsible for Fortnite and Unreal Engine, among others. At the time, Bandcamp's CEO and cofounder Ethan Diamond said the platform would "keep operating as a standalone marketplace and music community." While Bandcamp United doesn't mention Epic Games on its website, the announcement comes exactly a year after the acquisition.
Here's Bandcamp United's first Instagram post, and revisit our 2020 feature exploring how Bandcamp has impacted underground music.