Tag Archives: collective bargaining

AFM Local 47 reaches new agreement with New West Symphony

AFM Local 47 is pleased to have arrived at a fair agreement with the New West Symphony Association.

“We see our contract with the association as a partnership,” said AFM Local 47 President John Acosta. “Our musicians agree to give their greatest performance possible, bringing their artistry and talent to the concert stage, while management does their part to keep the organization healthy and running smoothly. While negotiations may sometimes be challenging, by working together we create the amazing product that is the music of the New West Symphony.”

Many united voices are more powerful than one. Sign up to learn more about getting involved with your union at afm47.org/47strong.

Organizing: Building Power for Musicians in Los Angeles

Musicians from throughout the United States and Canada gather in solidarity at the 35th AFM Convention in Boston, 1930. (Photo: courtesy International Musician/AFM archives)

by Jefferson Kemper

Organizing has always been the foundation of the AFM. The strength of this union is predicated on our ability to get working musicians to agree on core principles and to advocate together for our common benefit. Since the late 1800s when the AFM was created and when musicians around the country founded their own local chapters, it’s been the ability to organize that has provided the leverage to demand fair compensation for the value of musicians’ work. Continue reading →

The Echo Society Signs Local 47 CBA

The Echo Society, a collaboration between composers, musicians, and other performing and visual artists, has entered into a collective bargaining agreement with Local 47 to cover its upcoming concert: “V.” Continue reading →

AFM News: Public TV Update

AFM - American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada

Dear Member:

After months of negotiating, we have reached a tentative agreement with public television producers for a new National Public Television (NPTV) contract covering musicians, arrangers, orchestras, and copyists working in the production, broadcast, and streaming of public television programs.

The tentative three year agreement includes a 3% wage increase each year, an additional first year market adjustment on wages of 5%, higher health and welfare contributions, and improved clip use payments. If approved, the contract will run through 2019.

In the coming weeks, members working under our NPTV agreement will receive the contract proposal for review and a ballot for participation in the contract vote. The NPTV Negotiating Committee unanimously recommends ratification on the contract.

Musicians standing together have the power.

In Unity,
Ray Hair
AFM International President

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Democracy Wins for ‘Veep’ Musicians

veep Hit HBO series signs agreement with AFM Local 47

Democracy wins for the musicians of HBO’s Emmy-winning political satire “Veep,” who starting this season will be covered by an American Federation of Musicians agreement.

AFM Local 47 approached “Veep” producers in July following the show’s relocation from Maryland after being awarded $6.5 million in tax credits from the California Film Commission’s revamped film and TV tax incentive program. Continue reading →

New Line Cinema signs AFM Basic Theatrical Motion Picture Agreement

Newlinecinema

Exciting announcement this week from the American Federation of Musicians:

New Line Productions, Inc. (New Line Cinema) has become the latest film studio to sign a contract with our union.

New Line Cinema signed onto AFM’s Basic Theatrical Motion Picture Agreement that sets wages, working conditions, healthcare and pension contributions for musicians working in film recording, sidelining and music preparation. The agreement also requires theatrical motion pictures produced by New Line Cinema in the United States or Canada to be scored in the United States or Canada.

The addition of New Line Cinema as a signatory to our Film Agreement will result in additional session work, health and pension benefits and residual payments for musicians employed in the scoring of motion picture soundtracks. This development is another positive step in our campaign to preserve and protect employment standards and to prevent the offshoring of sound recording work in the film industry.

– via afm.org

Greek Theatre New Manager SMG Commits to 100% AFM

Venue management firm SMG won the long and contentious battle over who will run the Greek Theatre, and takes over operations of the historic Griffith Park venue Nov. 1.

For the past four decades AEG/Nederlander managed the historic Griffith Park venue with an AFM agreement in place, and there was concern that new management would not guarantee a union contract. However, Rec and Parks General Manager Michael Shull was fully committed to securing an AFM contract for all performances at the Greek. Thanks to his efforts and Local 47 President John Acosta, SMG happily agreed to continue the union’s longstanding partnership with the venue. They signed a collective bargaining agreement that guarantees 100% of the music at the Greek is AFM over the next two years. Continue reading →

‘Carrie: The Killer Musical Experience’ Musicians Land Killer Contract

carrie-300x175 Just in time for the Halloween season, “Carrie: The Killer Musical Experience” landed at the Los Angeles Theatre in early October. Music Director Brian P. Kennedy worked tirelessly with Live Business Rep Michael Ankney to ensure this production signed onto a collective bargaining agreement with Local 47 to guarantee all the musicians received the fair wages, benefits and protections afforded by a union contract. Continue reading →