CARRERAS MUSICIANS STILL WAITING

Local 802 is still pursuing money owed to musicians from five years ago. In 2003, Jose Carrerasperformed at Avery Fisher Hall to a packed house. The musicians who performed for that concert — which was covered by a Local 802 contract — have never been paid.

The union sued the contractor (Archer Lyon Entertainment) and the contractual signatory, Jordan Belkin.

On Feb. 19, 2005, Local 802 won a judgment for $55,847.20, which were the full wages, benefits and penalties owed to the musicians.

On May 22, 2006, Jordan Belkin agreed to pay the full amount by January 2007. Belkin paid $4,000, but no more.

On Dec. 27, 2007, Local 802 entered a “confession of judgment” against Belkin in Kings County Supreme Court.

Anyone having information regarding Jordan Belkin’s assets or any current projects by Archer Lyon Entertainment should contact 802 counsel Harvey Mars at (212) 765-4300 or JurMars566@aol.com.

‘THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION’

What is the union’s relationship to composers? When composers also act as performing musicians, they can be covered under our contracts. But when composers act as employers and hire musicians, they are often on the “other side.”

Local 802 is always interested in building relationships with composers. Composer Andrew Lippa and Broadway contractor Howard Joines recently appeared before the Executive Board and requested that 30 minutes of music from the musical play “The Farnsworth Invention” be issued as a commercial recording, provided that all of the musicians be paid under the terms of the Limited Pressing Agreement. Musicians had already been paid once for the project: they earned full phono wages for recording the incidental music for the play. Now the music was to be released as a CD, giving musicians an additional payment. The board voted to approve the request.

BROADWAY OVER MINIMUMS

As of Jan. 31, there were 322 chairs filled in the Broadway theatres. Four are special situation productions. Of the current 20 musicals running, 11 are running above the minimum. The four shows that opened prior to 2003 are, collectively, 17 chairs above the minimum. The other seven productions running above the required minimum opened after the 2003 contract changes and employ 37 musicians above the contract minimum. The special situation shows are collectively 15 chairs below the minimum. Excluding the older shows, the net number of chairs is 22 above the minimum.

THEATRE MUSICIANS: DID YOU KNOW?

The Broadway contract states, “All authorized vacation money (withheld) shall be deposited weekly in the Actors’ Federal Credit Union.” This means that you can plan a vacation by having your vacation pay sent directly to the credit union each week. That way, when it comes time for vacation, you have money saved up. For more information, contact Theatre Rep Marisa Friedman at (212) 245-4802 or Mfriedman@Local802afm.org.