Allegro
Currently Browsing: December, 2003
“We Have Only Just Begun”
Kaufman Teachers Win First Contract
Amidst laughter and tears, a twenty-month battle – which included a strike – ended on Nov. 2 with a victory for 120 teaching artists at the Kaufman Center. After a final all-night bargaining session resulted in a deal, an overwhelming
“Old Myths Die Hard”
I want to fight against the myth that we teaching artists have to accept low pay, no say and a poverty mentality just because we are devoted to teaching art. These and other related myths can sometimes be surprisingly resistant
Members Pass Dues Increase
Public Relations and Staffing Levels Become Key Issues
Members voted to raise dues at the Oct. 21 membership meeting by a secret-ballot vote of 91-43. It was the first time since 1996 that annual dues have gone up – and the first time since 1984 that the work
First, the Basics…A Pension Primer
Frequently Asked Questions
The AFM Pension Fund – the fund that 802 musicians participate in – is changing. Read the details of the pension changes here, along with the President’s Report. But first, check out this story which explains how the fund works
Pension Changes: A Letter from the AFM Pension Fund (Oct. 22, 2003)
Benefit Modifications To Go Into Effect January 1, 2004
As you have no doubt read in recent articles in the press, the unprecedented negative performance of the equity markets over the past several years has significantly eroded the assets of pension funds across the country, including this Fund. To
President’s Report
Big Changes in Pension Rules
Printed at right is the notification distributed by the American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund regarding pension benefits cuts that will become effective Jan. 1, 2004. The trustees of the fund took these actions, at the recommendation of
Dues Increase Pays Off for Members
Financial Vice President's Report
On Oct. 21, members voted to ratify an increase in annual dues and work dues by an overwhelming majority (see story here). The increase has set the stage for a new administration to take office with some financial security and
Candidates’ Statements
The Local 802 election is Tuesday, Dec. 2. Voting takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 322 West 48th Street and 54 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite K (Plainview, Long Island). To be eligible to vote, you must have paid
“We Have It…Let’s Use It:” Enforcing the Motor Voter Law
Guest Commentary
In the spring of 1993, thirty years after Dr. Martin Luther King’s march on Washington, President Clinton signed into law what we now know as the Motor Voter Law. This law enables citizens to register to vote at the time
802 Legal Corner: How Someone Can “Steal” Your Song…Legally
Gangsta Rap, Copyright Infringement and Fair Use
By virtue of the Copyright Act, creators of original artistic or literary works are granted a limited monopoly in the use of their works. Through this limited monopoly, the author has the sole right for a period to time to
802 Collecting Food and Toy Donations for the Holidays
This season, as in past years, Local 802 is accepting donations for two charities. First, we are asking members to contribute canned food and non-perishable packaged food, like pasta or cereal. Please do not bring food in glass or jars
MAP Needs Your Help!
Musicians' Assistance Program
By the time you read this it will have been one year since I began working as the social worker for the Musicians’ Assistance Program. I wrote my first column in this space about some of the services the MAP
The Healing Power of Touch
Lifestyle Notes
All good musicians understand the concept of touch. Many of you spend a lifetime trying to blend your body type with your instrument in hopes of finding the nirvana of comfort, sound and ultimate expression – a synchronization of your
Instruments Stolen
Instruments were stolen from the cars of two separate 802 members around the end of October. If you have any information, including if you see the instruments for sale privately, or in a music or pawn shop, please notify the
When You Shop This Year, Avoid These…!
Following are some of the national boycotts endorsed by the national AFL-CIO. The boycotts were instituted by and are conducted by the unions noted in the descriptions. For more information, check out www.unionlabel.org. BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS JET EQUIPMENT &
The Musicians’ Voice
DON’T BLAME THE PHILHARMONIC!A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH MT. LAUREL CENTERFOUR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR MUSICIANSA QUESTION OF PROCEDURE DON’T BLAME THE PHILHARMONIC! To the Editor: In her Oct. 10 op-ed piece in the New York Times called “Orchestra for Hire: No
Legislative Update
REDUCING COMMUTE TIME PROTECTING MITCHELL-LAMA REDUCING COMMUTE TIME Rep. Anthony Weiner will be seeking federal transportation dollars to help alleviate long commute times for New Yorkers. Although much of New York’s problem with commute times stem from a high volume
Quick Notes
KEEP OUR LEVERAGE STRONG The AFM is supporting legislation that would provide tax credits for U.S. record labels, film studios and other manufacturers who keep their work in this country. In the past two decades, the AFM has faced the
Negotiations Roundup
DICAPO OPERA THEATRE The DiCapo Opera Theatre and 802 have agreed to a new four-year contract that contains across-the-board increases in all major economic categories. The new agreement, which will cover all work until June 19, 2007, contains a nearly
Executive Board Minutes
August 12, 2003 -- Oct. 14, 2003
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2003 Meeting called to order at 11:30 a.m. Present: President Moriarity, Recording Vice-President Price, Financial Vice-President Hafemeister, Executive Board members Crow, Gale, Giannini, Reynolds, Rohdin and Shankin, Controller Bogert, Assistant to the President Dennison. Minutes of Aug.
Bill Crow’s Band Room
My friend the late Tommy Mitchell was in the orchestra of one of my first Broadway shows, “The King and I.” He lived nearby in Englewood, New Jersey, but he seemed to have difficulty getting to the theatre with any