As layoffs begin, Bandcamp union launches petition demanding Songtradr recognition

UPDATE: Workers at Bandcamp are in limbo after Epic Games sold the indie music marketplace to Songtradr, and their recently recognized Bandcamp United Union is looking for answers.

Workers voted in Bandcamp United in May, and union negotiations with Epic began in August.

A letter from Epic Games to Bandcamp staff sent just after the sale announcement said that Songtradr would offer positions to some but not all workers, according to the Union, and so far that process has been chaotic.

First, many Bandcamp workers have been denied “necessary access” to do their jobs. Then, some received new job offers from Songtradr “on a rolling basis with a 72-hour turnaround for acceptance despite the sales documents stipulating that the Purchaser allow seven days to consider the offer.”

“Bandcamp United is demanding employment offers for all workers; clear, consistent, and equitable voluntary severance offers; and recognition of their union at Songtradr with a speedy continuation to bargaining while maintaining all the progress that has been made at the table,” said the Union in a statement issued Wednesday.

UPDATE: An Epic Games spokesperson contacted Hypebot to clarify that a severance package offered to recently laid-off Epic staffers would be extended to Bandcamp staff. More details here.

Bandcamp United launches a petition

The union has launched a petition demanding that Songtradr recognize Bandcamp United and bargain in good faith.

“[Songtradr] CEO Paul Wiltshire has said: ‘There’s not a need to change [Bandcamp] into anything other than what it is,’ reads the petition. “If that’s true, it is time for Songtradr to recognize and negotiate with the union so that workers can continue to carry out Bandcamp’s artists first mission.”

UPDATE: Songtradr and Epic Games respond to Bandcamp Union

This week’s Bandcamp Friday

With so much uncertainty, many are questioning if this week’s popular Bandcamp Friday promotion will be canceled as well as the fate of those scheduled for November and December.

On the first Friday of most months since March 2020, Bandcamp has waived all of its commission to help support artists and labels. As of earlier this year, more than a million fans had spent more than $100 million on Bandcamp Fridays.

MORE: Songtradr responds to Bandcamp Union, confirms layoffs [Full Statement]

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.