Bandcamp Union Seeks Recognition From Company’s New Owner Songtradr

Bandcamp United, the union of U.S.-based Bandcamp employees that went public earlier this year, has released a statement after Epic Games sold Bandcamp to the music marketing company Songtradr last week. Bandcamp United, which was recognized by Epic Games in May and began bargaining with the company in August, sent a letter on Tuesday to Songtradr CEO Paul Wiltshire seeking voluntary recognition. Pitchfork has reached out to representatives of Songtradr for a response.

According to the union, staff received an internal announcement from Epic Games saying that Songtradr would offer positions to some but not all existing Bandcamp employees. It also notes that “most Bandcamp workers” have had necessary access revoked by Epic Management following the Songtradr acquisition just days in advance of the latest Bandcamp Friday

“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,” their statement reads. “At the moment, Songtradr is offering positions to workers on a rolling basis with a 72-hour turnaround for acceptance despite the sales documents stipulating that the Purchaser allow 7 days to consider the offer. In addition, Epic Games and the Union have not come to agreement on terms for voluntary severance.”

The union has launched a petition, asking supporters to urge Wiltshire to recognize Bandcamp United.

“Bandcamp isn’t Bandcamp without the people who build and maintain the website—we are the people who made this website the platform it is for artists,” Ed Blair, a Bandcamp support specialist, said in the union’s statement. “Songtradr not immediately recognizing Bandcamp United is a worrying indicator that they have misunderstood the value of Bandcamp. It’s not a platform or a portal, it is a painstakingly hand-crafted community. The workers who make up Bandcamp United are essential for the future of Bandcamp.”