At market closing on April 10, 2020, while tens of thousands of musicians and DJs across the country tried to access unemployment benefits, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Larry Page of Google/Youtube had earned $6.2 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively, for the week, according to Forbes. On that same day, the Music Workers Alliance launched an emergency petition directed to Facebook, Google and YouTube asking for relief and justice.
The undersigned guilds and unions represent the diverse, professional workforce that, in ordinary times, come together on productions throughout each year to bring our stories to life for audiences across the globe. Now, in this time when the coronavirus pandemic has brought an unprecedented challenge to our industry, our solidarity is more important than ever before. We come together on behalf of our respective memberships to ensure coordination between our efforts to secure relief, financial support and other critical assistance for the working professionals in this industry. Our members understand the unique power of collective action. Through our unity, we reinforce that power to safeguard our members as much as possible during the extraordinary set of events we face today. Continue reading
Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
9/11/1929 – 3/26/2020
Big band leader and alto sax great Pat Longo died on March 26, 2020 of the coronavirus. He was 90 years old. Pat was a first rate musician who lived a long life and made a lot of great music. Among the highlights of his career, Pat was lead alto on the Harry James Band. With Harry’s blessing, Pat founded and directed the Pat Longo Super Big Band and the Pat Longo Hollywood Big Band, performing and recording with L.A.’s best. Continue reading
With COVID-19 stay-at-home orders issued throughout the world prohibiting in-person gatherings, people are increasingly turning to virtual meetings to stay connected. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to participate in virtual meetings using Zoom. Continue reading
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our industry to a complete halt, and even as we are socially isolated from one another, we are suffering together both economically and artistically.
But we are a diverse union. Our members include musicians who compose, prepare and perform music in an incredibly wide variety of fields, from theater and club work, symphonic, opera and ballet, film, television, sound recordings and other recording work — if it involves music, at least some of us are doing it as part of our livelihoods Continue reading
Based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the California Governor’s Office prohibiting group gatherings during the COVID-19 crisis, we will be holding our next General Membership Meeting on April 27, 2020, electronically via Zoom. Open to all members in good standing.
All Local 47 members will be receiving an email alert inviting you to register for the meeting. Registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing a unique link and information about joining the Zoom Membership Meeting. (If you are a member who did not receive an email, send a message to: press@afm47.org)
On the Agenda (subject to change):
– Nominations for Election Board and Salary Review Board*
– Officer Reports
– Old and New Business
* Nominations will be open for the Election Board and the Salary Review board during the meeting. Per the decision of the Local 47 Election Board, nominations will be accepted at the meeting, and should more candidates than positions available be nominated, an electronic election will be held via Election Buddy.
UPDATE: A special election to fill a vacancy for Trustee on the Executive Board, currently held temporarily by Lydia Reinebach as appointed by the Board, will take place at our July 27 General Membership Meeting.
Interactive ZOOM Webinar
Saturday, April 11, 2020 @ 2-3:30pm
We are thrilled to announce a new Master Class series launching April 11, 2020!
Session musician, music director and composer Michael “Nomad” Ripoll will share his tips and insights on the importance of diversification and business acumen in the music industry.
This Master Class is presented free exclusively to AFM Local 47 members.
(Membership will be verified to gain virtual access code.)
How to file for unemployment, emergency relief funds & more
Fill out the 2020 Census
Information for Kaiser, Blue Shield, and Delta Dental Participants
and more!
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Overture Online is optimized for reading via smartphone or tablet. For those without access to a smart device, issues may be viewed on a web browser here. Local 47 members may download archived pdf versions from the members section at afm47.org.
Dear Members:
We’ve been working with the California Employment Development Department and unemployment insurance experts on guidance for how musicians can navigate through applying for benefits including unemployment, paid family leave, disability and more due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please visit our Musicians FAQ for Filing Claims With EDD for answers to frequently asked questions. This page will be updated in real time with the most up-to-date information as it becomes available. Continue reading
We know these are trying and uncertain times, and because of the coronavirus thousands of musicians are suddenly finding themselves out of work. With the deadline for membership payments quickly approaching, the Local 47 Executive Board has decided to put in place a moratorium on suspensions for delinquent membership dues for 60 days until May 31, 2020, in addition to waiving late fees on past due work dues for 60 days.
If you are out of work, you can immediately file for unemployment and other benefits from the California Employment Development Department. We are working with EDD on getting answers to specific frequently asked questions from musicians, which we will share on our website as soon as possible. Stay safe out there!
In Unity & Health,
AFM Local 47
UPDATE: Our Musicians FAQ for Filing Unemployment Insurance, PUA and Other Benefits is now available at afm47.org/covid19/faq.
Please visit our COVID-19 Resources page at afm47.org/covid19.
