Allegro
Currently Browsing: March, 2006
President’s Report
Full Disclosure
On Jan. 20, 2006, concerns regarding the personal use of the union’s credit card were brought to the attention of the Local 802 Executive Board. The board immediately addressed the issue and, after consulting with 802 Controller Matt Milne and
Five-Year Grievance Pays Off
Musicians for "Love, Janis" Win Back Benefits
Protests at “Love, Janis” in 2001 resulted in a union contract for musicians. Photos by Joy Portugal. A five-year grievance involving the musical “Love, Janis” is over. Musicians have finally received the benefits due to them. From the beginning this
Casting a Greater Net
New Film Agreement Allows More Low-Budget Deals
A union agreement is better than no agreement at all. That truism is reflected in the AFM’s new film scales, which are available in the Wage & Contract section of this site. The new scales widen the practice of allowing
An Easier Way to Earn Pension
Pension Fund Says Yes to LLC’s
Making pension on your gig just got a lot easier. The AFM pension fund is now allowing limited liability companies to make pension contributions. Even though this may seem like an obscure ruling, it could be a very good thing
The Core of a Democratic Union
Views from the Board
In the aftermath of the Radio City negotiation, strike and lockout, it is particularly relevant to stress the importance of union democracy in general, and rank-and-file committees in particular. Although the outcome of that struggle was far from satisfactory, the
Disabled Members Gain Perk
Members who become disabled now have an easier time in applying for honor membership under a new bylaw resolution adopted by 802’s Executive Board. Usually, members could only earn honor status after 35 years of consecutive membership and after attaining
Broadway Deal Clears Up Overtime
Many Local 802 contracts refer to overtime, but when does overtime really begin? This question was answered in a recent settlement between Local 802 and the League. Two overtime grievances going back to 2003 – involving “Nine” and “The Producers”
Musicians of the World, Unite!
Cross-Border Campaigns in the Entertainment Industry
When you hear “globalization,” do you think of music? How about media corporations taking advantage of lower-paid musicians in other countries? The following article is based on a presentation by Jay Schaffner, 802’s recording supervisor and an Executive Board member,
A Blow for Women’s Rights
Guest Commentary
On Feb. 22, South Dakota became the first state in 14 years to pass legislation, signed by the governor on March 6, aimed at directly challenging Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. But
Intimate Notes: A Conversation With Marian McPartland
Women's History Month Interview
Think of women in jazz and one of the first names that comes to mind is pianist Marian McPartland. So it’s a no-brainer that we sought out McPartland for this tribute to Women’s History Month. According to Wikipedia, McPartland was
Did You Record for Knitting Factory Records?
Membership Alert
Last year’s protests resulted in a win for Knitting Factory musicians. Pictured are Rebecca Moore and Dean Bowman. Recording artists and Local 802 won a settlement last year against KnitMedia, the parent company to several labels, including Knitting Factory Records
Jazz It Up!
April is Jazz Appreciation Month!
April is Jazz Appreciation Month! The Smithsonian launched the theme month in 2003, and Local 802 is celebrating by co-sponsoring a jazz concert and poetry reading on April 27 at 310 West 43rd Street from 6:30 to 9. The union
Show Us the Money!
On Feb. 8, 2003, Jose Carreras performed 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
Tour Bus Breaks Down? Musicians Still Get Paid
Last June, musicians from the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (NYGASP) went on a runout to the Wolftrap theatre in Virginia. The trip usually takes four hours, but due to a bus breakdown, the trip took ten. The collective
Legislative Update
Heather Beaudoin TAKING CONTROL OF RENT LAWS New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Councilmember Rosie Mendez, and Councilmember Erik Martin Dilan held a joint hearing on March 3rd on several measures that will protect tenants by controlling rents. Introduction
Negotiations Roundup
“Bernarda Alba.” A one-year collective bargaining agreement was negotiated with Lincoln Center Theatre for this production at its 299-seat theatre, the Mitzi E. Newhouse. The minimum weekly scale wage per musician is $710.80 plus a guaranteed doubling premium, which brings
Theatre Roundup
These productions all agreed to Local 802’s commercial Off Broadway area standards. Besides the wages listed below, the other terms and conditions of the standards apply. For more details, contact Principal Theatre Rep Mary Donovan at (212) 245-4802, ext. 156.
Executive Board Minutes
December 13, 2005 -- December 20, 2005
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2005 Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Babich, Gagliardi, Giannini, Landolfi, Weiss and Whitaker. President Lennon excused on union business. Meeting chaired by Blumenthal.
Bill Crow’s Band Room
Dave Frishberg wrote the liner notes for a Verve reissue of a record called “You ‘n’ Me” by the Al Cohn-Zoot Sims Quintet, a band he used to play piano with. In those notes he told this story: One night