This has nothing to do with Unions. We are talking about someone being Blacklisted because they are not a Preferred Vendor, plain and simple. We are not talking about some Union DJ. Sheesh!
Who's talking about a union DJ? If you play / move / put equipment into a place where it is required that a union does it, you CANNOT move your own equipment. You also CANNOT plug it in.
Did you miss the taking it back to the 5,000 feet part? Jeesh Canute! (previous message posted below)
Because you obviously select which pieces to read, I shall repost it. Please read it in its entirety.
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You like to sensationalize things don't you? I still stand by what I say, I would challenge them. Ever seen those signs at the Toll Booths that read "Not responsible for arm damage"? Lots of people take that as something that cannot be contested if damage was to occur. Wrong! That would be like putting a sign in your grocery store that reads "Not responsible if you slip and fall on the wet floors". My point being that some people take things lying down. I was not trying to circumvent Union Rules or rules where EVERYONE has to conform. I was referring to those who were being unfairly excluded. Your analogy has no relevance.
You would challenge whom Canute? I've been many places where a Union MUST do the work. I have no idea what happens if you try to do it on your own, but I have been firmly put in my place when confronted by the Union, for something as small as moving a small rug. If you choose not to abide, you will NOT return - I assure you of that - regardless of what you think you will do. I imagine the reason will be that you do not meet their requirements (as you have suggested) - and one of those requirements being, the Union does x, y and z. Take it to court all you want - and you will also be on the sore end of a losing battle - the Unions have much more money, time and resources to waste than you do.
I agree that some people DO take things lying down, but please do not assume that the majority do.
Taking it back to 5,000 feet, you may feel free to challenge a facility that you are blacklisted at but do you believe that any actions you would take against said facility would benefit you directly? Do you (or the majority of people) have the funds, time and resources to take on such legal issues (whether you are correct or not) or would it be easier to take note and move on?
Like I said, there are a couple of venues in my area that I have never played at because I'm not one of their "preferred DJs" I've tried to find out how I can be preferred, and they basically brush you off. I'm guessing their preferred DJs pay some type of kickback? Who knows?
I lost out on 1 gig because I wasn't on their list. It pissed me off, but I landed another gig elsewhere.
But, if a prospect asks me for venue recommendations I will not recommend them. Not much else you can do.
They own the place & it's their rules.
I just decided to move on.
In agreeance with Canute, there's probably plenty you 'could' do to challenge this if you had a bottomless pit of money, time and resources to waste on fighting it. I wonder how much this added expense increases our costs.
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On another note, it is obvious that you don't get it. If you get blacklisted and want to fight it - feel free. I hope your pockets are deep enough. Obviously, YMDV.
So big deal, that was NOT the original issue and conversation.
The issue, at this point, is being blacklisted - and your interpretation of they can't legally do that to you. Let it go everyone.
Canute - if you get blacklisted, fight it - fight it all the way with all the legal power that you can muster.
