Well this is becoming most interesting. I've been reading up on the local 1000 website and I've learned some things AND I have sent a couple of follow up questions to them for clarification.

I have never had any reason to be concerned over payment from clubs. I know it is a possibility but I can't say I'd join the union just for that reason (they will enforce the contract and be sure that you never get stiffed for contract gigs). But tey offer excellent insurance for instruments and equipment. I am basically uninsured, at the moment. My homeowner's policy covers my stuff while its in the house. My car owner's policy will not insure musical instruments or gear that are used for professional purposes, and I have no coverage when the gear's out and being used. I own lotsa sound equipment, and use it frequently - my instruments ain't cheap - so insurance coverage is important to me. Local 1000 has an atractive insurance policy.

The pension plan look good, but you must have a union contract in place and the hiring party is responsible for paying into the fund - that is, I cannot contribute to the pension plan myself, the venue hiring me must pay the appropriate percentage to the union find. You can set your prices so that venue is paying over and above - but getting many of the clubs I work for to agree to write and mail a check to the union fund is simply not going to work. These guys have enough head ache without me adding to their burden, and many of the clubs are simply not responsible enough! Even if they agreed to it. So I've asked if this step is optional - can I join the union and NOT participate in the pension fund.

Local 1000 offers other insurance; health, term, liability and disability - I haven't read the fine print, but these packages looked pretty good too.

They also claim to offer help with work visas between Canada and US (I don;t know about UK or Europe).

I can work with non-union musicians, as a member. I can work without a contract, if I choose

So, depending upon the answer to my pension plan question I may be joining.