Guitar Center Workers Launch Union Effort

[moxham123]

Guitar Center Workers Launch Union Effort

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/2 ... _hp_ref=tw

[f.sciarrillo]

I went to the Guitar Center in Harrisburgh and from the judging of how little the staff knew, and how bad quality the equipment was, they deserve a pay rate drop.

Case in point: I was looking an EVH Wolfgang guitar. They wanted $1,800.00 for it. It had the frets sticking out about a quarter inch on both side of the neck so every time you tried to play it, it would cut your hand up. I mentioned it to the manager (who couldn't have been no more than 19 or 20) and he said, and I quote: "Some stupid F'er who doesn't know how to play will come in gladly drop the coin for it, even with the defect". I put the guitar back, and walked out the door. Guitar center now had a bad taste in my mouth, and I will never buy anything from them.

[whitedevilone]

Been hanging around music stores.....big and small....for many years,no disrespect, but the work ain't that tough.

[bassist_25]

Been hanging around music stores.....big and small....for many years,no disrespect, but the work ain't that tough.

Maybe not so, but the Guitar Center commission system is completely fucked. If you want to know more my friend, listen, learn, and read on: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/moan-zon ... enter.html

There are other stories on the 'net about Guitar Center's "Fading" approach.

Frank's story about the apathetic sales associate is not surprising when that's how you're expected to generate sales. I'm surprised that nobody has filed a complaint with the DOL under FLSA for that wage/commission scheme. I don't know if it would be a violation or not, but it's definitely sketchy. I guess at the end of the day, it isn't much different than having a 100% commission-based job, but it's still a really weird way of paying their employees.

I do like GC's used gear pages, but I'm not real interested in going to the store itself. The closest one is in Monroeville, and it's like going to an obnoxious department store in there.

[f.sciarrillo]

Been hanging around music stores.....big and small....for many years,no disrespect, but the work ain't that tough.

Maybe not so, but the Guitar Center commission system is completely fucked. If you want to know more my friend, listen, learn, and read on: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/moan-zon ... enter.html

There are other stories on the 'net about Guitar Center's "Fading" approach.

Frank's story about the apathetic sales associate is not surprising when that's how you're expected to generate sales. I'm surprised that nobody has filed a complaint with the DOL under FLSA for that wage/commission scheme. I don't know if it would be a violation or not, but it's definitely sketchy. I guess at the end of the day, it isn't much different than having a 100% commission-based job, but it's still a really weird way of paying their employees.

I do like GC's used gear pages, but I'm not real interested in going to the store itself. The closest one is in Monroeville, and it's like going to an obnoxious department store in there.

Wow, Paul. Their pay structure is insane. I would be upset also.

[whitedevilone]

Thanks Teach.I read,learned and although it's slightly bullshit my opinion remains unchanged.It's a min wage job.Period.Don't like it?Quit.I know after a hard day of changing strings and selling effects pedals at $7.45hr one would be tempted to cry foul and call for the union rally .Go pitch around a pick and spade shovel in the blazing sun for 10 hours for the same pay,then fucking bitch.We've become a country of handout receiving whiners.Everything is a god damned "human right"and nobody should ever make less than what THEY think they are worth anymore.Stupid.My best friend worked at a "busy"music store for many years and we still found time to smoke hash in the attic.Which brings me back to my main point....easy work.

[Hawk]

Every Billionaire made every penny / dollar / million on the backs of labor, be it easy or hard labor. They do it by paying wages one can't live on and they like high unemployment because the guy making $8.00 can't quit and find another job.

And said worker should be saluted for NOT going on welfare, but keeping his job. Although he probably is eligible for food stamps, again, loved by the one percenters...

[Dark Soul]

Holy shit...I once nearly accepted a job at Guitar Center. Extremely glad I didn't. Sciarrillo's story is unreal. I'd have looked that little shit in the eye and said, "So that's how you view your customers? The people you make commission from? Stupid fuckers? Maybe I'll call your bosses up and find out what they think of your opinion."

But then again...his bosses would probably agree. If I were his boss and heard he said that to a customer, I'd have fired him on the spot, but hey...I'm one of those crazy old schoolers who actually believes in not screwing people over every chance I get which of course goes against the core of corporate thinking.

[f.sciarrillo]

Every Billionaire made every penny / dollar / million on the backs of labor, be it easy or hard labor. They do it by paying wages one can't live on and they like high unemployment because the guy making $8.00 can't quit and find another job.

And said worker should be saluted for NOT going on welfare, but keeping his job. Although he probably is eligible for food stamps, again, loved by the one percenters...

So I take you hate Wal*Mart then? Or how about Nike? Do you shop at Wal*Mart or wear Nike Clothing? Just curious.

[StumbleFingers]

Every Billionaire made every penny / dollar / million on the backs of labor, be it easy or hard labor. They do it by paying wages one can't live on and they like high unemployment because the guy making $8.00 can't quit and find another job.

And said worker should be saluted for NOT going on welfare, but keeping his job. Although he probably is eligible for food stamps, again, loved by the one percenters...

So I take you hate Wal*Mart then? Or how about Nike? Do you shop at Wal*Mart or wear Nike Clothing? Just curious.

Isn't Guitar Center somewhat different from many other minimum wage jobs in that they expect you to come in with a fair amount of skill and knowledge? Walmart will teach you to stock shelves. McDonald's will teach you to cook a burger-like substance. Will Guitar Center teach you to be a proficient and knowledgeable guitarist/drummer/soundman/etc.? (This is based on assumptions, mind you. Maybe they would teach you. Maybe they hire non-musicians, though I've yet to meet one.)

Come to think of it, I've had to spend far more time and effort to become semi-proficient on guitar than to be proficient at my much more respectable and much better paying day job. How about you folks?

Regardless, it's a shame that anyone should work a full-time job and be unable to support themselves without significant public assistance.

[f.sciarrillo]

Every Billionaire made every penny / dollar / million on the backs of labor, be it easy or hard labor. They do it by paying wages one can't live on and they like high unemployment because the guy making $8.00 can't quit and find another job.

And said worker should be saluted for NOT going on welfare, but keeping his job. Although he probably is eligible for food stamps, again, loved by the one percenters...

So I take you hate Wal*Mart then? Or how about Nike? Do you shop at Wal*Mart or wear Nike Clothing? Just curious.

Isn't Guitar Center somewhat different from many other minimum wage jobs in that they expect you to come in with a fair amount of skill and knowledge? Walmart will teach you to stock shelves. McDonald's will teach you to cook a burger-like substance. Will Guitar Center teach you to be a proficient and knowledgeable guitarist/drummer/soundman/etc.? (This is based on assumptions, mind you. Maybe they would teach you. Maybe they hire non-musicians, though I've yet to meet one.)

Come to think of it, I've had to spend far more time and effort to become semi-proficient on guitar than to be proficient at my much more respectable and much better paying day job. How about you folks?

Regardless, it's a shame that anyone should work a full-time job and be unable to support themselves without significant public assistance.

That is a great point. My point was that both Wal*Mart and Nike do the same thing and their founders are Billionaires. They both produce off the backs of slave labor in foreign countries while paying their employees corporate welfare rates here. So if what Bill was saying is the case, he should also hate Wal*Mart and Nike.

I do like your point. I can see a music store hiring someone who knows how to play, or has some knowledge of musical instruments over someone who doesn't whereas anyone off the street can work at Wal*Mart.

[Hawk]

So I take you hate Wal*Mart then? Or how about Nike? Do you shop at Wal*Mart or wear Nike Clothing? Just curious.

Isn't Guitar Center somewhat different from many other minimum wage jobs in that they expect you to come in with a fair amount of skill and knowledge? Walmart will teach you to stock shelves. McDonald's will teach you to cook a burger-like substance. Will Guitar Center teach you to be a proficient and knowledgeable guitarist/drummer/soundman/etc.? (This is based on assumptions, mind you. Maybe they would teach you. Maybe they hire non-musicians, though I've yet to meet one.)

Come to think of it, I've had to spend far more time and effort to become semi-proficient on guitar than to be proficient at my much more respectable and much better paying day job. How about you folks?

Regardless, it's a shame that anyone should work a full-time job and be unable to support themselves without significant public assistance.

That is a great point. My point was that both Wal*Mart and Nike do the same thing and their founders are Billionaires. They both produce off the backs of slave labor in foreign countries while paying their employees corporate welfare rates here. So if what Bill was saying is the case, he should also hate Wal*Mart and Nike.

I do like your point. I can see a music store hiring someone who knows how to play, or has some knowledge of musical instruments over someone who doesn't whereas anyone off the street can work at Wal*Mart.

I didn't say I hate Guitar Center at all. I did however point out that anyone who chooses a low wage job over total welfare should be saluted. I also pointed out my annoyance of the 1% not paying a living wage while they increase their incomes every year.

I seldom buy at Wal-Mart because they are the biggest supporter of Communist China. Sorry, I'm done here, been enjoying Rockpage w/o politics...

[f.sciarrillo]

Isn't Guitar Center somewhat different from many other minimum wage jobs in that they expect you to come in with a fair amount of skill and knowledge? Walmart will teach you to stock shelves. McDonald's will teach you to cook a burger-like substance. Will Guitar Center teach you to be a proficient and knowledgeable guitarist/drummer/soundman/etc.? (This is based on assumptions, mind you. Maybe they would teach you. Maybe they hire non-musicians, though I've yet to meet one.)

Come to think of it, I've had to spend far more time and effort to become semi-proficient on guitar than to be proficient at my much more respectable and much better paying day job. How about you folks?

Regardless, it's a shame that anyone should work a full-time job and be unable to support themselves without significant public assistance.

That is a great point. My point was that both Wal*Mart and Nike do the same thing and their founders are Billionaires. They both produce off the backs of slave labor in foreign countries while paying their employees corporate welfare rates here. So if what Bill was saying is the case, he should also hate Wal*Mart and Nike.

I do like your point. I can see a music store hiring someone who knows how to play, or has some knowledge of musical instruments over someone who doesn't whereas anyone off the street can work at Wal*Mart.

I didn't say I hate Guitar Center at all. I did however point out that anyone who chooses a low wage job over total welfare should be saluted. I also pointed out my annoyance of the 1% not paying a living wage while they increase their incomes every year.

I seldom buy at Wal-Mart because they are the biggest supporter of Communist China. Sorry, I'm done here, been enjoying Rockpage w/o politics...

As I have also been ejoying it without politics. I just wanted your opinion and you gave it to me. I won't bring it up anymore ..

[tom]

It is a SALES position... The commission structure is in black and white. If they don't like it, the can find another sales position at another store..

Not every job is meant to be a high paying job where everyone gets the same outcome..... I'm sure there are some good salesmen at Guitar Center who make an excellent wage,,, but they EARN the business with good customer service. Eventually, these guys/gals will leave Guitar Center for a job in the "real world", and make a great living because they hustle....

[shredder138]

Thanks Teach.I read,learned and although it's slightly bullshit my opinion remains unchanged.It's a min wage job.Period.Don't like it?Quit.I know after a hard day of changing strings and selling effects pedals at $7.45hr one would be tempted to cry foul and call for the union rally .Go pitch around a pick and spade shovel in the blazing sun for 10 hours for the same pay,then fucking bitch.We've become a country of handout receiving whiners.Everything is a god damned "human right"and nobody should ever make less than what THEY think they are worth anymore.Stupid.My best friend worked at a "busy"music store for many years and we still found time to smoke hash in the attic.Which brings me back to my main point....easy work.

Damn, kinda hoping this post is a joke.

[whitedevilone]

Thanks Teach.I read,learned and although it's slightly bullshit my opinion remains unchanged.It's a min wage job.Period.Don't like it?Quit.I know after a hard day of changing strings and selling effects pedals at $7.45hr one would be tempted to cry foul and call for the union rally .Go pitch around a pick and spade shovel in the blazing sun for 10 hours for the same pay,then fucking bitch.We've become a country of handout receiving whiners.Everything is a god damned "human right"and nobody should ever make less than what THEY think they are worth anymore.Stupid.My best friend worked at a "busy"music store for many years and we still found time to smoke hash in the attic.Which brings me back to my main point....easy work.

Damn, kinda hoping this post is a joke.

Not in the least Sally.

[onegunguitar]

If they would get the union in there and if you buy from GC,expect to pay more because someone will have to pay for the higher wages. And while the employees get a pay raise,the fat cats of the union will gladly accept their union dues to make themselves a substantial income.

[Jasaoke]

All the more reason to buy local, and support small business.

[Hawk]

If they would get the union in there and if you buy from GC,expect to pay more because someone will have to pay for the higher wages. And while the employees get a pay raise,the fat cats of the union will gladly accept their union dues to make themselves a substantial income.

I know right? Let the top 5% increase their income by 80% but damn, don't let the laborer increase his income. Might cost you more money.

[tonefight]

All the more reason to buy local, and support small business.

You hit the nail on the head there. I'm all for unions in most aspects but retail is a little shaky. The big reason to support them unionizing would be so the locals could actually compete.
To those that cry about it raising the prices you really need to look from a less selfish aspect. We should not pay less at the expense of values. That is one of the biggest problems in this country. Nobody wants to spend an extra dollar to buy at a local store whith local tax paying owners / employees and nobody wants to spend an extra dollar for American made product with american workers and tax payers. Most people are more happy to beat the prices down to save a buck then pay higher taxes for social programs because there are no jobs.
Our own lack of values is what big buisness works off of to rob the money right out of our pockets while we think we are paying less.
I know most people won't get this post at all........ And that my friends is the problem.

[RamRod 1]

Good one Tony.

[songsmith]

I work at a local music store. I don't have a union, because I don't need one. My bosses are all friends of mine, for real. I actually like them. If I needed more money, I'd ask for it, but right now I'm more into a fluid work schedule. Plus, I've been to GC, and my co-workers really do care more about our customers than your average GC. I truly want you to get what you want, at the best price I can manage, because I play with so many of you. If you buy something cool from me, I remember it, because I like that thing you bought, too.
Just buy local.