A recent ruling by a Canadian appeals court is great news for musicians. The court unanimously overturned a 2014 lower court ruling, which could have radically lowered industry standards for musicians.

A few years ago leaders of Vancouver Local 145 negotiated a substandard media agreement containing a buyout provision, which violated our bylaws. When local officers refused to cancel the agreement, our International Executive Board was sadly forced to trustee Local 145.

Musicians lose all residual rights and the possibility of future payments under these buyout provisions. Buyouts lower our standards, undermine our contracts, and devalue our work.

The appeals court decision reaffirms our right to protect fair wage standards and working conditions for musicians. The process may have taken longer than we wanted, but by standing together we are stronger.