If you become totally disabled before age 65 you may receive full pension benefits. Pension payouts and options are different for Canadians. Check out the Canadian pension plan info on this site, or c ontact the Local 1000 office for more information. If you play a gig under a union contract, you must be paid at least the minimum scale set by the union. Local 1000's minimum scale is set by a committee of members who understand the economics of the folk music and storytelling community.
Scales refer to U.S. dollars in the States, Canadian dollars in Canada.
No, but if you play for less than scale you can't file a union contract for that gig. Without a union contract you can't receive a pension or health insurance contribution, nor can the union protect you in the event of a dispute. For Local 1000, it is not an issue, and in fact we all know that working with non-members at festivals, clubs and other venues is the best way to spread the good news about our local. Our members are our best organizers. No, but we will be there when you need us.