Category Archives: All News

AFM Local 47 statement on Janus decision

Today’s disappointing Supreme Court decision in Janus v. AFSCME ruled in favor of a corporate interest power-grab over working Americans and their unions.

Wealthy special interest groups spent millions of dollars on this case with the express intent to diminish working people’s numbers in union representation. Breaking a precedent set over 40 years ago, public-sector workers who are not union members but are protected by a union contract are now told they do not have to pay their fair share. The goal was clear: to undercut unions’ abilities to effectively advocate and negotiate on behalf of their members, weaken their position at the bargaining table, and undermine all of organized labor — all at the expense of working people. Continue reading

Killer Klowns From Outer Space 30th anniversary celebration

Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of cult classic “Killer Klowns From Outer Space,” a special live-to-picture performance and fan tribute took place May 19, 2018 at the Montalban Theater in Hollywood.

America’s fascination with “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” began on screen in 1988, as a group of clown-like aliens land their trans-dimensional space ship and terrorize a small American town. The film has achieved cult status with its clever blend of horror, science fiction and comedy. Continue reading

General Membership Meeting: July 23, 2018

At our next General Membership Meeting we are excited to kick off our new Guest Speaker Series. Please join us for a presentation by SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local President Jane Austin, who will speak about the union’s recent video game campaign win, and share ideas and thoughts regarding organizing and motivating members. Don’t miss it!

On the agenda (subject to change):

  • Special Guest Speaker Jane Austin, President, SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles
  • Presentation of 50-Year Pins
  • Resolution to Amend the Bylaws
    (Resolution published in the Summer 2018 issue of Overture Magazine, also
    available in our pdf Overture archive in the members section at afm47.org)
  • Officer Reports
  • Old and New Business

Location: AFM Local 47 Room 7
3220 Winona Ave. Burbank CA 91504

Open to all members in good standing.
Food & refreshments will be served.

Sound Recording Special Payments Fund: Annual Distribution Reminders

The Sound Recording Special Payments Fund is preparing for its annual distribution, which occurs on or about August 1, 2018. We would like to share the following information with participants:

  • Address or beneficiary changes – Deadline for changes is July 15, 2018.
  • Direct Deposit Applications – Deadline for application to be received at the Fund is June 30, 2018. Direct Deposit ensures that the Fund distribution reach musicians safely and efficiently, wherever they reside.

We encourage all participants to become registered users at the Fund’s website. Utilizing the website significantly helps to reduce the Fund’s administrative costs, which ultimately benefits all of us! At the website you can arrange for direct deposit, update contact and beneficiary information, view your prior wage and tax statements and get the latest news regarding the Fund.

Toll-Free Number: (866) 711-FUND
Fax: (212) 310-9481

Final Note: Leon Ndugu Chancler

Life Member. Drum Set
7/1/1952 – 2/3/2018

by Washington Rucker, Life Member, AFM Local 47

We have lost a giant in the music world, and more directly, a great musician.

My best friend, Ndugu Chancler, was one of only a hand full of drummers who could be recognized by a single name: Ndugu. His moniker was well deserved and well earned. He stood tall among the genre of drummers who spring up… and he stood atop most of them. Continue reading

‘Make It in the USA’ Video Contest Winners Announced

A powerful hip hop anthem about the pride a man takes in a long day’s work. A haunting ode to the hands that built American industry. A fast-paced celebration of American-made products. And a passionate plea for companies to invest in the USA. These are the four winners of the United Auto Workers’ “Make it in the USA” contest, which called on entrants to create videos focused on the value of manufacturing and buying products domestically.

To see the winning videos and learn more about the contest, click here. Continue reading

WHCRA & NMHPA: Women’s health rights

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1988 (WHCRA) & the Newborn and Mothers Health Protection Act of 1996 (NMHPA)

Reconstructive Surgery Fully Covered After Mastectomy

WOMEN’S HEALTH AND CANCER RIGHTS ACT OF 1998

The Professional Musicians Local 47 and Employers Health and Welfare Fund (“the Fund”) purchases health insurance benefits through Health Net of California and provides you with this notice as required by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1988 (WHCRA).   Continue reading

New Music Teaching Scale

Photo by Jorge Royan. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

We are excited to announce that earlier this month, the Local 47 Executive Board approved a new Music Teaching Scale.

The new base rate is $75 per hour, 10% H&W and 10.9% pension, which includes the pension rehabilitation.

This rate was established for a new Local 47 Career Pathways Program, which will launch this summer in collaboration with the Burbank and Glendale Unified School Districts. The scale is also now available for agreements approved through the President’s office.

Members interested in filing teaching contracts may call 323.993.3182 or email john.acosta@afm47.org for more information.