AFM Local 47 Organizing Director Eva Nevarez provides a June update on the union’s organizing and outreach efforts.
Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles’ Teaching Artists’ negotiations are underway. After successfully organizing their unit with the support of AFM Local 47 and the AFM Organizing Department, over 120 Teaching Artists at YOLA received union recognition late last year. YOLA Teaching Artists bring music education to underserved schools in LA, developing students’ musical artistry and creating tomorrow’s orchestra professionals. This year, the unit’s stellar organizing committee gave way to an equally impressive bargaining committee. Proposals were (and continue to be) formulated, and now, discussions with the LA Philharmonic for a first contract are in progress.
Support your union kin by following YOLA Teaching Artists’ Instagram account, @YOLAunited, to keep up with every beat of their journey to a first contract, delight in their Teaching Artist spotlight series, and support their educational posts. Please share @YOLAunited with every musician, musicophile and unionist in your network.
Last month, I shared some opportunities to connect with your fellow members.
I’m happy to report that your union was represented at 2026’s International Workers Day Rally and March (May Day), where approximately 10,000 participants from labor unions across industries, together with community and advocacy groups marched side by side in a spectacular show of humanity, calling attention to the rising cost of living, a call for dignified treatment of immigrants with a pathway to citizenship, and worker protections. Among them, Local 47 officers, members and I proudly marched the 2.8 miles with the AFM Local 47 banner in full display. Our gratitude goes out to CHIRLA and the LA County Federation of Labor for organizing an, at times, both meditative and exhilarating, smooth and impactful act of solidarity through Downtown LA. Si Se Puede!
This year for Stamp Out Hunger – National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive, labor unions and community organizations adopted 45 post offices in the LA area. Local 47 adopted the Bicentennial/West Hollywood Post Office. AFM Local 47 officers, executive board members, family and I participated in sorting non-perishable food donations collected by letter carriers from postal customers along their routes. With the help of a fellow volunteer and truck driver from Teamsters, Local 848, the food was then loaded onto a large truck to be delivered to Labor Community Services’ facility, and distributed to union families in need. This annual event brings together labor unions, communities and the US Post Office and is in its 34th year. This year’s drive collected a total of 1.5 million pounds of food! When unions and communities join forces, seemingly monumental feats become possible. If you or someone you know can use a hand, please contact LCS.
Coming up:
AFM Local 47 General Membership Meeting July 27, 2026 at 7:30PM RSVP HERE
Join your fellow members and have your voice heard at quarterly General Membership Meetings. These meetings are a chance for members in good standing to hear from the local’s officers and democratically decide the direction of the union. Mark your calendars for the next meeting which will be held on July 27, 2026. This meeting will be both in person and via Zoom. A vote will be held, so your participation either in person or virtually is vital. Letting us know you’re coming isn’t required, but it is helpful for logistical purposes. Agendas, voting information and the link to join will be sent out closer to the meeting date.