Unions are complicated, with diverse constituencies and interests. This is particularly true for the American Federation of Musicians, which represents musicians working in many different fields of employment. Local 47 stands as a local voice for Los Angeles’s rank-and-file musicians within the AFM.

When musicians “go fi-core,” they are quitting the Union, and no longer accept Union representation. Fi-core is a rejection of wage standards, benefits, and protections for musicians, negotiated by fellow musicians backed by their Union representatives and ratified in a democratic process.
 
Fi-core means becoming a Non-Member who pays a representation fee to Local 47, but who is without a voice or a vote, without a role in protecting middle-class incomes for current and future musicians. Fi-core is giving in to and supporting the interests of the employers that sit across the table from us.
 
Musicians need a Union, and musicians need union. We are protected only when we support each other and work together. Whether we are employed in live TV, commercials, musical theater, full-time orchestras, regional orchestras, film or television; whether we are in bands on the road or in clubs; whether we are beginning, in the midst of, or nearing the end of a career; we are all protected by staying together. Torn apart, we are at the mercy of forces whose sole purpose is to wring out our talents and squeeze our compensation to maximize the profit for the companies they serve.

When you go fi-core, you are turning your back on every musician who went before you, who stood up against injustice and poverty wages and whose efforts you benefit from today. A divided Union is exactly what will benefit the employers the most. When you go fi-core it hurts every other musician the Local must bargain on behalf of.
 
We can be better. There is no alternative. Help make our Union strong.

Fraternally yours,
John Acosta
President, AFM Local 47

If you have questions about what it really means to go fi-core, please feel welcome to contact me: 323.993.3181