Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions about Bandcamp United, to use as a resource for artists, labels, and other supporters.

Who is Bandcamp United?
We are Bandcamp United, a union of workers at Bandcamp– we are project managers, we are engineers, we are designers, we are vinyl campaign managers, we are support staff, we are editors and writers– to put it simply, we are the reason Bandcamp functions. We are working with organizers from OPEIU’s Tech1010 to seek recognition through an election administered by the NLRB.

In May of 2023, a majority of eligible Bandcamp workers voted in favor of forming Bandcamp United, a union represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). Ethan Diamond, CEO of Bandcamp, sent a joint statement with Bandcamp United acknowledging the union. We started bargaining in good faith in August 2023. On September 28th, Epic Games announced the sale of Bandcamp to Songtradr, Inc. In aninternal announcement to staff, Epic Games wrote that Songtradr, Inc. would be offeringpositions to some Bandcamp employees but not all. This comes amidst ongoing contractnegotiations with Bandcamp United. Songtradr has not recognized the union.

Bandcamp United is currently demanding:
  • Employment offers for all workers and reasonable time to respond to offers
  • Clear, consistent, and equitable voluntary severance offers
  • Recognition of our union at Songtradr with a speedy continuation to bargaining while maintaining all the progress that has been made at the table — including Union Security and preserving out artists first mission
What is Bandcamp United fighting for?
Bandcamp United is organizing for fair, equitable, and sustainable conditions for all workers at Bandcamp. All workers deserve to be treated and valued fairly. We are also committed to holding Bandcamp accountable for delivering on its artist-first mission and to protecting and supporting our colleagues who speak up. Time and experience have shown us that the only way to achieve this is by organizing together.
Why does Bandcamp United need your help?
The music and tech industries are at a juncture, and it’s time that we as workers have a seat at the table to weigh in on the challenges and opportunities of this moment. Forming our union is critical to our ability to do our best work and make good on the promise and mission of Bandcamp.
What are the demands of the union?
Right now, we’re demanding that Songtradr recognize our union, extend offers of employment to every employee, and continue the bargaining process we began under Epic Games. Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), if 30% of workers sign authorization cards and submit a petition for a union election, they have a legal right to an election at their workplace. Over 70% of our workers have pre-emptively signed new authorization cards, showing Songtradr we want to be represented by a union.
What about other demands, like, pay and stuff?
We are currently focused on getting Songtradr to recognize our union and securing a seat at the bargaining table before we start making collective demands. Even though we are still a ways off from negotiating the details of our union contract, here are a few things that unite us:
  • We love and believe in Bandcamp;
  • We each want to protect and support workers who speak up to hold Bandcamp accountable; and
  • We want to secure the benefits we have while creating equitable working conditions for all.
We are excited about all of the ways we can achieve these goals through our contract! Check out Kickstarter United’s contract for some examples of what we could fight for.
How was BCU formed?
We spoke to all of our colleagues before we went public to ensure we had a supermajority of eligible supporters. When we went public with our union, we also had an outpouring of support from artists, labels, fans, and external allies (including over 3,300 signatures on our public petition demanding a fair and timely election!) — we want the same equity and transparency we provide to our users for our workers. Thank you for standing with us! Our next step is to get recognition from Songtradr and secure jobs for every employee at Bandcamp.
What is the best way to support Bandcamp United?
Right now, we’re asking our community to continue publicly voicing their support of Bandcamp United while also continuing to support the artists & labels on the site. Bandcamp United stands in solidarity with workers everywhere, and that means musicians, too. We’re not calling for a boycott of Bandcamp by any means. We love Bandcamp, which is a big part of what led us to form BCU in the first place.

If you’re wondering how best to publicly voice your support, please check out our Ally Toolkit and website! It has additional info on the following asks:
How will Bandcamp United affect artists + labels?
BCU takes Bandcamp’s commitment to fairness and transparency towards artists and labels very seriously. We have been moving with artists and labels as a top priority since our inception. The public support and enthusiasm we’ve seen from the music community reflects that. We are committed to not taking any actions that would hurt artists and labels. It is up to Bandcamp leadership to honor their public promises to the music community, and to not erode the goodwill they have garnered.
What’s the best way to stay in the loop?
We will be posting from @BandcampUnited on Twitter and Instagram, and Mastodon (union.place). We would love for you to follow us, repost us, and tag us (and @Bandcamp and @songtradr). We want to show that the Bandcamp community is strong and will stand behind us in asking Songtradr to recognize our union and allow every Bandcamp employee to continue working to keep Bandcamp the place we all love. We want to keep this messaging positive! We are hopeful that both Bandcamp and Songtradr leadership will work with us. (If you’re unsure of what to say, be sure to check out our Ally Toolkit for examples!)
Have any other questions?
Feel free to email us at contact@bandcampunited.org.

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