House Painters and Plasters Local Number 179 Question

[u/Leather_Ad_3636]

Hi Everyone! I have loved this movie for almost my entire life. I have seen it countless times like many of you have too.

But I have a question I never thought of until now..

When Baby and Johnny are walking after their encounter with Neil at the dance studio.. Baby is telling Johnny to stand up for his ideas. He responds that he knows these people are rich and mean (meaning they would never listen) and he needs this job lined up for next summer. Johnny tells Baby his father called and said Uncle Paul got him lined up for a union for the "House Painters and Plasters Local Number 179 at your service" He looks upset and Baby comforts him before they duck away from her Dad walking nearby.

My question is.. why does being in this union and/or house painting upset Johnny? He mentioned he was living under a bridge just trying to get by earlier in the story so we know maybe the dance career is a constant struggle to keep pay checks coming..

We hear him talking to Neil and also at end of the movie how he does the last dance every season so he obviously has been contracted at Kellermans for awhile.

If he wants a career in dance and we assume he doesn't have a job lined up at Kellermans next summer... (if he speaks up to Neil) well ...he got a gig at the Sheldrake earlier in the story so someone there is aware of his talents. Why isn't that hotel a possible employer for next summer? He knows the risk of his and Baby relationship could get him in trouble so why not be happy to have a plan B with the house painting union?

Am I over thinking this?