Category Archives: All News

Hearing Board rulings

The AFM Local 47 Hearing Board has issued the following:

  • Hearing Board Ruling 47-2019-01 – Kern v Chase
  • Hearing Board Ruling 47-2020-01 – Byrd v Baptist
  • Hearing Board Reprimand 47-2019-01 – Ms. Deborah Chase

These documents may be found in the members section of the Local 47 website. Once logged in, navigate to the “Members-Only Scales and Documents” page and view the document under the header “Hearing Board” in the right-hand column.

H&W: What to Expect When You Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine

When it’s your turn to get a COVID-19 vaccine, we want you to be prepared. Here are some things you can expect:

Getting 2 injections. All but one of the vaccines that have been or may be approved for use require two doses. The doses are given several weeks apart, and the same authorized vaccine brand must be used for both — the vaccines are not interchangeable. Continue reading

Act now to protect our AFM Pension

Our AFM-EPF pension plan is one of over 100 multiemployer union pensions in critical status because of aging demographics, declining participation, and reduced contributions. But now, if we all stand together in unison as AFM members, we can change that.

The AFM and its U.S. player conferences (ICSOM, RMA, ROPA and TMA) have put together a handy toolkit for all members to take action to support the Reconciliation Package and ensure our pension and retirement remain secure. Time is of the essence as pension reform is the closest it has ever been in years to becoming a reality. Lobbying takes a focused and organized effort. There are tens of thousands of pension participants and AFM members around the U.S. We can make this happen! Continue reading

Final Note: Jonathan Mako Sharkey

Member. Keyboard
7/18/1949 – 12/1/2020

Jonathan Mako Sharkey, 71, succumbed to brain cancer on December 1, 2020. He was a gifted keyboard player. While he held 16 album credits with other artists, he recorded two solo albums (“Voyager,” “West of Malibu”) that feature original songs and a unique Dr. John-type singing voice. Continue reading

In Groundbreaking Election, Stephanie O’Keefe Elected First Woman President in AFM Local 47 History

Danita Ng-Poss elected secretary/treasurer as first AFM Local 47 officer of Asian descent

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 5, 2021) – Members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 shattered a more than century-old glass ceiling by electing Stephanie O’Keefe as the first woman president in the union’s 123-year history. Secretary/Treasurer Elect Danita Ng-Poss, originally from Malaysia, will be the first person of Asian descent to serve as a titled officer of the union. Continue reading

[POSTPONED] 2021 Blood Drive

[UPDATE 1/13/2021]: Due to the spike in COVID cases across Southern California, we have decided to postpone the Local 47 Blood Drive event scheduled for Feb. 9 in order to limit the number of persons on our property. We apologize for any inconvenience, and encourage all members to please consider giving blood at your local Red Cross donation center. Continue reading

Meet the New Administration! 2021 Inaugural Meeting + Musicians’ Club Annual Meeting

Meet the Incoming Administration:

Ron Herrera

 

Please join us for our first membership meeting of the New Year! Meet the new Local 47 administration voted in at our Dec. 8, 2020 general election. We will also hear remarks from special guest speaker Ron Herrera, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

 


In accordance with COVID safety guidelines, we will once again be holding our next General Membership Meeting (aka Inaugural Meeting) via Zoom. This meeting is open to all Local 47 members in good standing. Registration is required. Once your membership is verified, you will receive an email link with the virtual access code. Members may register here: afm47.org/gmm Continue reading

AFM Local 47 2020 Election Returns

Congratulations to all candidates, and thank you to all members who voted, in our 2020 Local 47 General Election.

AFM Local 47 2020 Election Returns*

PRESIDENT & DELEGATE (elect 1):
Stephanie O’Keefe – 743
Marc Sazer – 499

VICE PRESIDENT & DELEGATE (elect 1):
Rick Baptist – 738
Mike Merritt – 501

SECRETARY/TREASURER & DELEGATE (elect 1):
Danita Ng-Poss – 526
Gary Lasley – 459
Lydia Reinebach – 231 Continue reading