Three new contracts

The union recently signed off on a new three-year agreement with the Center for Contemporary Opera. The employer has agreed to pay rehearsals and benefits at the union’s single engagement classical scale. Performances will pay $243.20 in 2010, $250 in 2011, and $255 in 2012, a 12.3 percent increase by the end of the contract.

Separately, the American Classical Orchestra agreed to pay full single engagement scale in a new three-year agreement that runs through Nov. 1, 2012.

The union also recently signed an agreement with the Roundabout Theatre Company.

Reimbursement?

If you played union jobs in the past six months but didn’t qualify for the union’s health plan, you may be eligible to receive some of this money back as a reimbursement. Restrictions apply. You must contact the union every six months, by March 31 and Sept. 30 of each year. For more information, contact the Local 802 Health Department at (212) 245-4802 and ask about the Premium Reimbursement Plan.

Play ball!

Interested in playing softball? The Local 802 team needs you. Games take place in Central Park at noon on Mondays. Play is modified fast pitch and the season runs April through August. If you are interested or know anyone who might be, please contact Clint Sharman (917-440-5566, clint@tromboneman.com) or Wayne du Maine (917-721-9087, wdumaine@mac.com).

An easier way to save

If you are a Broadway musician, you may not know that the Broadway contract allows you to deposit your vacation money weekly into your account at the Actors Federal Credit Union. This is an easy way to save for a vacation. Any musician, actor or entertainer can open an account at the credit union; there is a branch on the fourth floor of the Local 802 building. For more information, contact the Theatre Department at (212) 245-4802.

Cesar Chavez Day

March 31 would have been the 83rd birthday of Cesar Chavez, the visionary founder of the farmworkers’ union and defender of human rights. For information about activities and how to get involved, see www.chavezfoundation.org or www.ufw.org.