Category Archives: All News

After Arduous Strike, Chicago Symphony Wins New Contract

LA Phil 2nd violinist Kristine Whitson (center) joined members of the striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra on the picket line.

After seven weeks on strike, the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra voted unanimously on April 27, 2019 to ratify a new five-year contract, ending the longest strike in the orchestra’s history.

“Great thanks to the thousands of friends who attended concerts, wrote letters, signed petitions, picketed, came to the picket line and more,” the orchestra posted on its Facebook page. “Your support and Mayor Emanuel’s leadership made this agreement possible.” Continue reading →

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$200,000 in donations made to support striking Chicago Symphony musicians

The musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are now in the seventh week of their strike. This strike is the result of unacceptable demands made by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, including minimal salary increases and that the musicians agree to close their defined-benefit pension plan and replace it with a defined-contribution system (e.g., 401k or 403b accounts). Continue reading →

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Seth MacFarlane gets his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Honorary AFM Local 47 Member Seth MacFarlane received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 23, 2019.

The multi-talented actor/composer/performer/producer is renowned in the musical community for his commitment to live music and musicians, in addition to his generous support of philanthropic causes. He has created some of the most popular content on television and in film today – Family Guy, American Dad!, The Orville, Ted, A Million Ways to Die in the West – all scored with AFM Local 47 musicians.

MacFarlane also works as an activist against climate change, is a supporter of Reading Rainbow, and serves with the Human Rights Campaign. 

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Safe Jobs are Every Worker’s Right

A message from AFL-CIO:

Nearly 50 years ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality—winning protections that have made jobs safer and saved lives. But our work is not done. Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more suffer injury or illness because of their jobs. Continue reading →

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#AFM47 Member Spotlight: Abraham Laboriel

AFM Local 47 Life Member Abraham Laboriel has lived a life surrounded by music. 

Born in Mexico City, his parents were Garifuna immigrants from Honduras. His sister is singer Ela Laboriel, and their brother was late rock singer Johnny Laboriel. Abraham is the father of  drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and of producer, songwriter, and film composer Mateo Laboriel — both of whom are also proud members of the Los Angeles musicians union. Continue reading →

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