NABET-CWA Members at DistroKid Fight Layoffs and Seek a First Contract

Late last month, NABET-CWA Local 51016 members at music distribution company DistroKid received the news that 37 union workers would be laid off. That number includes five of the seven members of the team bargaining their first contract and represents 47% of the union membership.

The workers continue to challenge the layoffs and fight for fair severance packages for those who were laid off—as well as a first contract. They formed their union in April and have been attempting to negotiate a contract for over four months.

DistroKid is a platform for artists and creators to sell or stream music through online retailers like iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music. The company is valued at $1.4 billion, and most of the work previously done by those employees who were laid off has been outsourced overseas.

Former employee and union member Jase Ihler recorded an interview with music critic and YouTuber Anthony Fantano and explained more about the situation unfolding within DistroKid.

The workers have set up a mutual aid fund to support the wrongfully terminated workers. Click here to donate.

 
Jase Ihler (right), a member of NABET-CWA Local 51016, spoke with music critic and YouTuber Anthony Fantano about the recent layoffs at DistroKid.