UPCOMING MEETINGS

• If you are doing rehearsals or audition work that is not under a union agreement – through a casting agent or otherwise – please contact Mary Donovan at Mdonovan@Local802afm.org. Local 802 is looking into developing scales and working conditions for this work. We want to explore the possibility of making the work union. We plan to set an exploratory meeting soon.
   
• “AFM agreements: how they can work for you,” a conference and seminar for composers. The focus will be on AFM agreements in advertising, games, film and television. Presented by Local 802 and the New York chapter of the Society of Composers and Lyricists. Tuesday, June 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., here at Local 802. For more information, contact David Sheldon at DLsheldon@Local802afm.org or (212) 245-4802, ext. 194
   
• “Negotiations and organizing for conductors, associate conductors and music directors.” Wednesday, June 30 at 5:30 p.m., here at Local 802. For more information, contact Mary Donovan at Mdonovan@Local802afm.org

‘SHREK’ PAYS $51K TO MUSICIANS

Local 802 recently collected $51,589.97 from Dreamworks Animation Live Theatrical Productions for the Broadway production of “Shrek the Musical.”

Orchestra musicians, orchestrators and music copyists received a combined total of $47,839.97 on the Industrial Promotion Agreement.

Copyists received $3,750 on the Media Agreement.

The pension for both was paid from the .045 Broadway allocations (the Turkus Award).

This grievance was resolved as a result of a combined effort of the Recording Department, the Music Prep Department and officers of Local 802.

If you are playing a show and feel you aren’t receiving the benefits that you’re owed under the contract, call the union. It’s our job to help you.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

The new Local 802 Membership Directory has just been released. Members can pick up a free copy on the second floor of the union building. Or for mail delivery, contact the Membership Department at (212) 245-4802 or Membership@Local802afm.org. (You must be an active member to get a directory, so be sure to tell us your union card number!)

COBRA SUBSIDY HAS BEEN EXTENDED

If you recently had insurance and you’ve just lost it, remember that you may be able to continue the same insurance for a period of time by paying for it out of your own pocket. This is called COBRA. There are even some state and federal subsidies, so that your COBRA payments may be reduced or even free. Allegro featured a comprehensive story about this in the February issue.

The period for COBRA subsidy qualification has recently been extended. If you experienced a reduction in employment that resulted in a loss of benefits between Sept. 1, 2008 and March 31, 2010, you may be eligible for a 65 percent subsidy on your COBRA premiums. Call the Local 802 Health Fund for more information, at (212) 245-4802.

TWO CONTRACTS RATIFIED

The Oratorio Society and the Sacred Music Society contracts were ratified on March 30 with small increases in concert and rehearsal rates.

LIABILITY INSURANCE

If you’re a bandleader, you may be asked to show that you have liability insurance for your band when you play at a hotel, catering hall or other venue. Local 802 offers liability insurance through its payroll service at reasonable rates.

NEED FINANCIAL HELP? WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Are you facing eviction or a big medical bill that threatens to bankrupt you? Local 802’s Emergency Relief Fund (through the Musicians’ Assistance Program) may be able to help.

The fund gives limited grants to musicians in need.

To apply, contact the union’s social worker Cindy Green at MAP@Local802afm.org or (212) 245-4802, ext. 180.

Cindy can also help you apply for other financial help from sources like the Actors’ Fund and other relief organizations.

Thanks to everyone who donated to the Emergency Relief Fund during our recent appeal. If you are in a position to help us, please contact Recording Vice President John O’Connor at (212) 245-4802, ext. 110 or Joconnor@Local802afm.org.