The AFM Observer

AFM Convention 2019 - suggestions for the future

This was my 11th AFM Convention; my first was in 1995. This, like the previous 10, was run in a competent and professional way But I do have a few suggestions for improving things in 2022. 

The first is to consider moving. I'm not sure that the reasons that led the AFM to the Riviera and Las Vegas in (I believe) 1993 are still valid. Lots of places are now as easy and cheap to get to as is Las Vegas. And, while the Westgate's room rate is reasonable, everything else there is way overpriced. Worse, the dining options are extremely limited. Not only is the hotel very short on casual dining options that don't require waiting in long lines, but it's way too far to walk to anywhere else, especially given typical daytime temptations in Vegas in the summer. Yes, it's possible to take the monorail to other hotels and other options, but it's hardly convenient.

Frankly, until the last two conventions at the Riviera, when the  Riv was in a death spiral, it was a better venue for the AFM than is the Westgate. I'd like to see us get back to something as good as the Riv used to be. It doesn't even need a Splash Bar.

The second regards presentations. As I suggested in one of my posts, this convention seemed to have too much time for too little content. That's not the AFM's fault; there was no way to predict that the volume of legislation proposed, and in particular the volume of resolutions, would be so low. But the balance between legislation and presentations has shifted dramatically. I went back to look at the article I wrote for Senza Sordino about my first convention, and was struck by the emphasis on how much the convention was dominated by legislation.

Presentations are often boring, and risk draining energy from the room and the delegates. There were some really good ones; the ones from the orchestras (Ft. Worth, Lyric, Chicago Symphony, and Boise) were all good, and, in the case of Ft. Worth in particular, quite inspirational. And David White was just as wonderful as he was in 2016. But the ones that used Powerpoint were generally pretty boring. I think asking the presenters to let the Powerpoint presentations be put online (and of course many delegates would be able to access those in real time) and not discuss the data in their remarks would save time and keep the delegates' interest (and energy) levels up.

My last suggestion is a little more personal. The AFM didn't live-stream this convention, unlike the past two, and I suspect that's because viewership was low. AFM conventions are, even at their most lively, not very interesting affairs. They resemble an old description of the pilot's job - 99% boredom and 1% terror. So not live-streaming the entire 4 days seems reasonable to me.

I've been live-blogging conventions since 2005 in an attempt to provide some real-time coverage to the membership. It's always been hard to both blog and participate, and it's not getting easier (not to mention more stressful on certain bodily functions it's not polite to mention in mixed company). And I may not be there in 2022.

But I know there remains a hunger amongst the more engaged rank-and-file to know what's going on in real time, which this blog has filled to some extent. No doubt there are legal questions raised if the AFM tried to do - or paid someone to do - what I've done. But I think it's worth considering hiring a freelance labor journalist to do it with the proviso that it wouldn't be an official record. In 1995, people simply didn't expect to know what was happening when it happened at things like AFM conventions. Now they do. The AFM should meet that need.

(later p.s.) It occurred to me after I wrote this that there were at least two other solutions, both cheaper. One would be to publish the minutes at the same time they are distributed to the delegates; i.ie the next day. The AFM has always put out the previous day's minutes the following morning for the delegates to read. While they tend toward the colorless, as is entirely appropriate for official minutes, they are an accurate record of what actually happened. With the list of Recommendations and Resolutions in hand, and with the addition of the AFM putting the official program online as well, rank-and-file would get a complete picture of the official actions of the Convention in real time.

Another potential solution would simply be to take the video captured at the Convention (there are at least three video cameras running during meetings which feed the Jumbotrons at the front of the room) and put it up on Youtube for the next day.

But, having said all that, I think congratulations are still in order to the AFM, and in particular AFM staff, for having done such a good job. I've helped put together two large meetings - the Unity Conference in Las Vegas and Unity II in Ottawa. It's a huge job, and I'm always impressed by how well the AFM does it.

AFM Election results

The Unity slate swept. Of course the top four officers were elected by acclamation, but the 5 IEB positions were contested. I'm told that Luc Fortin came with 11 votes of winning. I don't have numbers.

All good news, I think.

There will be a Day 4 of the convention, but there will not be a Day 4 live blog, as I'm going home tonight on a red-eye to go back to work tomorrow. There are fireworks expected over Resolution No. 8, which is the one presented by the new 802 delegation about pension trustees. I'm pretty sure it'll go down, but I'm sorry not to watch it happen. But I can read about it on the blog... oh wait.

 

AFM Convention 2019 Day 3 Part 3 (PM)

Ray called the meeting to order at 2:03 pm PDT.

Ray talked about his determination to negotiate streaming residuals for TV and film as well as for our sound agreements. We are still the only creative professionals who work on that product who don't get what we deserve from the employers re streaming residuals. So we are going forward with a very aggressive campaign to fix this. We're visiting with the late-night bands in NY and LA. Introduced member of negotiating team; music-prep specialist named Jason Poss(?).

Never attended AFM Convention before. I'm here to speak for you for 2,000 of my colleagues who work in TV productions in North America. They're facing a shift with potentially disastrous effects. Streaming has the potential to be a bounty for us and for our pension fund. But if we do not achieve fair contracts, musicians who do this work could see their income drop as much as 50%, even though doing the same work. Not because the work is going away. In addition, we should looking at a loss of millions of pension contributions. 

If this comes to pass, catastrophic to those who work in film and TV. In spite of this, a movement has begun that gives me great faith in my fellow musicians. I am part of a group of musicians who are transforming how they think of themselves. We've started banking together to determine what we can do to fight for a better contract.

Talked about background to campaign. Described campaign; set up meetings with every show in town to find out what they needed. Did a survey too. That formed a framework where musician needs were driving the negotiation. AFM and Local 47 provided us with organizing support and training, but didn't just tell us what needed to be done. This was the formation of the Contract Action Team. Musicians are increasingly of the understanding that they are the union.

Next week we will take our first action. 100 of us will deliver a petition to the producers' offices signed by a super-majority of our people; first time in decades that we have spoken with a united voice directly to our employers. This is only the beginning. This is going to be a very tough struggle. We're going up against the biggest media companies; those that dominate the media we see every day. These companies are in your locals. We don't know where this campaign will lead, but we need to show that we're fighting for our future. 

Standing ovation; nice speech.

Eddie Bayens Law Committee: Resolution No. 1 (Local musician exclusivity in Pamphlet B contract). A natural interaction between traveling musicians and local musicians. Committee listened to interest to all parties all involved, but there are legal problems. Other issues around definition of "self-contained."  We would submit substitute resolution No. 1  (AFM will be guided by the principle the the Agreement included a requirement that Local Musicians will be used in any ci.ty where there exists sufficient Local Musicians.)

Discussion: Smolik St. Louis; opposed to substitute. Pamphlet B would have to be opened up, and originally was for traveling agreement, except it has to fit with local CBAs. Lawsuits who did not want a traveling theater contract. Rule 61 became Rule 24 became Pamphlet B. (not sure I understood her point). To open up any portion that concerns Rule 24, very risky to do. Could have a chilling effect on local theater musicians nationally. Travelers are actually laid off in cities with Rule 24 language. 

Local 6-55 Miami; grammatical point. Noted by chair.

Local 802; concerned about one aspect; so broad that it might affect the core traveling group.

Ray; amendment needed. Pamphlet B does not apply in 802

802: but shows under Pamphlet B often put together in 802

Koss: what does "sufficient" mean?

Eddie: sufficient number of people of quality.

369: amendment: add "and that such Local musicians shall be retained in compliance with and for not less than Local scales and conditions." Seconded.

Discussion of amendment

369: we recently had a situation in Vegas, Pamphlet B production of Chicago hosted at Venetian.  Contractor paid non-union rates. We couldn't address. Like to end that practice.

Bruce Schulz Tulsa; is amendment germane to subject matter? 

Ray; will let debate continue

Pinto Boston: against the amendment. Understand spirit of it, but need to get local musicians hired first.

369: regarding original text, states in negotiations of Pamphlet B. Expires in 2020. Doesn't help local musicians employed if they're employed at scab wages?

Ray: exercise my right to talk to you about amendment. Pamphlet B bargaining with Broadway League. We bargain in Rule 24 the allocation of the score in those jurisdictions covered. Sometimes shows always pick up local musicians because they're only carrying a core group. Local musicians not engaged by touring producer; engaged under terms they'll accept from contractor. In Vegas situation, producer decided to four-wall the hall and present 2 weeks of Chicago. Tour brings in basic traveling musicians and picked up local musicians to complete the show. Unfortunately there was no CBA at the hotel, and the hotel was not the employer. I could not convince the employer to do the right thing, and somehow they located a non-union contractor who brought people in to work it. No provision of Pamphlet B that required compliance with Local scales. Wanted to strike the employer, but in 2001 under previous administration at the Broadway League negotiations we agreed to no strike no lockout clause. So we couldn't. That provision has to get bargained out for us to have the leverage we need.

So I want to politely speak against the amendment, because it doesn't solve the problem.

369: on the assurance that we will really attack this problem, I ask to withdraw the amendment (no objection).

Local 72-147: grammatical correction of correction.

Ray: we've sent off to the appropriate folks at Oxford to look at this.

Couture Boston: in favor of resolution. AFM needs to honor its locals as the foundation of its existence. (Medical emergency; debate suspended. 911 called). Recess at 2:57 pm. 

Reconvened at 3:25 after delegate with medical emergency was carted off by EMS. That was the first medical emergency during a session I've seen in 11 conventions, which, given the demographic of the delegate population, is rather surprising.

Couture Boston: Institutional imbalance favoring traveling musicians in Pamphlet B. Rule 24 only affects locals with grandfathered CBAs. Any venues opened or organized in the last 27 years aren't protected by Rule 24. We have to find a way to get our local theater musicians working again on national touring shows. They need that work to survive and prosper. We ask for your support in future negotiations, as well as with measure.

Pinto Boston: suports for resolution for similar reason

Hollenbach Boston: we support this. Really tough on local players; hard to explain to member why the AFM has a rule that prohibits them from working in their own local.

TMA: figured I should weigh in. Tough one for me personally, as my theater work is local. I see the benefits of this personally, as president of TMA I can't get behind this; pits locals against travelers.

Ray: on this resolution. "will be guided by the principle." Might be part of the crux of the matter. Those who have been at Pamphlet B negotiations under my leadership know that we engaged an employer who'd been getting away with murder for a long time. We had to catch up and catch up because of what had been let go for years and we did. We had local officers and player reps come to our caucuses. We came together to put the most heat we could on the employers. This is a worthy principle to be guided by. We don't want to bring harm to this agreement. I don't want to oppose this resolution. 

Local 400: I was about to say what you just said. We trust in you in these negotiations. But do bring a case of your salve to push across the table (laughter).

Substitute Resolution No. 1 adopted on voice vote.

Ray talked about medical emergency. So thankful that we had the nurse available and that it wasn't worse. Not as bad as it looked.

Eddie Bayens: thanked for the privilege of serving as chair of law committee for past 15 years. Thanked Jeff Freund and Ken Shirk, and especially members of Law Committee. Discussions are always respectful.

Brad Eggen Finance chair: presented substitute resolution No. 9 (Standardized Electronic Media Administration) (replaces requirement that Locals be compensated for administering EM payments with requirement for President and S/T to commence a study on the subject in consultation with RMA and major recording locals). Discussed committee discussion.

802: Acknowledge the chair and committee for their thoughtful consideration of this issue. Some background, as it doesn't affect all locals. In our recording department, the profit/loss numbers are problematic. We need to update our process. This substitute will go a long way to do that. While we get there, though, our local will still face the financial pressures of doing this work. We are in favor of substitute, but ask that IEB take into consideration that we come up with some mechanism that our local and others don't have to bear the financial loss.

Ray: you or any other local officer who wants to consult with the IEB can request to appear and express yourself on any item of concern.

Sazer RMA: want to commend the proponents and the chair for conducting a terrific hearing on this. I'd like to offer a friendly amendment. It appears that the sole purpose of the study is to decrease expenses. After, "Federation" in Line 5, add "and maximize the effectiveness of the delivery of services to affected members."

Discussion of amendment. None. amendment adopted by voice vote.

149: support substitute resolution. Also need to think about organizing EM activity and to involved the Locals concerned.

Substitute Resolution No. 9 as amended passed by voice vote.

Ray updated delegates on medical emergency; delegate doing well at hospital.

Brad Eggen: Substitute Resolution No. 4 (To advocate for Canadian musicians traveling to the US) (requires AFM to prioritize for passage of ARTS Act of 2018 or BEATS act of 2016; to require a budget for advocacy in included in Canadian budget for lobbying Canadian government to equalize crossing costs, and that an ad hoc Border Crossing Committee of the IEB be established). Finance Committee recommends adoption of Substitute Resolution No. 4.

Discussion (run by Bruce Fife).

Schutzmann Ottawa: seems to me that 2 is highly unlikely to happen.

145: agree with Francine that Canadian government would absorb the cost, but could still help in this area.

547 Calgary: agree with both Dave and Francine, but we can only ask and see where it goes. My question is 3; are officers in question Canadian? (Eggen: not specified.) Offered amendment to make sure that local officers are Canadian. (jokes about commas); seconded.

discussion on amendment. none. adopted by voice vote.

180: question is what a reasonable budget for advocacy means. Eggen: we discussed whether there should be a figure and what it would be; determined with agreement of proponents was that it's sufficiently unknown that it couldn't be determined at this time.

Fortin 406: had a very good discussion last night about the substitute resolution. We have to do something about this situation. And we've never had a lobbyist in Ottawa. We might not get what we ask for, but not a reason not to lobby.

820 Newfoundland. On behalf of most of the working musicians of Atlantic Canada, this is one of the big things holding us back.

1000: we have members on both sides of the border. we have around 175-200 Canadian members; this is the most important issue to them. We appreciate the work that went into crafting this motion.

802: in support of this. we are an international musician and our power is in numbers.

Adopted by voice vote.

Eggen: Resolution No. 13 (Work Dues sharing for AFM touring work) Finance Committee believes that some has been disposed of already and committee reports the rest unfavorably (Resolution would distributed half of touring work dues to the Locals in which the work is done). 

369: amendment to resolution: "or work dues equal to 2%" inserted in lines 11 and 12, or something like that (more comma jokes).

(checking out for a bit)

Lengthly discussion of resolution. Jay and Bred Eggen spoke against. Ray spoke about the AFM's "structural deficit" (acknowledging that he sounded like an orchestra manager and not liking it), and said we can't afford to reduce any sources of income. AFM needs other sources of income and they're tenuous. He asked the delegates to vote Resolution 13 down.

802: We are sympathetic to this proposal; want to discuss AFM's finances; proud of what the AFM has done in producing net income. AFM has large cash reserves, around $23.5 million now. $19.8 million net assets in 2018. We need to strike a proper balance.

Ray: those numbers are consolidated numbers, not a general fund number. Includes strike fund and other funds.

?: to wrap this up, what we heard at this convention is we had a $2 million profit. We're talking about 14% of that net profit.

Morrison IEB: I remember clearly coming into office in 2010 and having to lay off 24 staff in the first six months. We need more people at the AFM. I'd love to have my local get more money, but we're not there yet.

Cox 99: There's never enough money on the local level. That said, we're about to face one of the great challenges of our union in this time, which is the funding of the pension. The AFM is the only one that can do that work; they need a war chest to do that.

Amended Resolution 13 defeated on voice vote.

369: Request for division of the house; Ray ruled out of order. 369 challenged ruling of the chair. (Consultation on the dais) Ray put the question to the house

Zare 6: if we rule the chair wrong, do we revote the original vote. 

Challenge defeated by voice vote.

Ray announced that original vote on Resolution 13 stood.

Bred Eggen: that concludes the business of the Finance Committee.

That was a bit of a clusterfuck.  Resolution 12 was clearly going down, but the 369 Vegas folks seemed to think they'd been sandbagged anyway. Ray should probably not have handled the challenge and should have turned the gavel over to Bruce, but the challenge wasn't going anywhere regardless; I suspect most delegates just viewed it as an attempt to get another bite at the apple.

There was a ceremony to recognize those who had continuously attended conventions for 25 years; also those who had been members for 50 consecutive years. (Congratulations Michael Moore!)

Meredith Snow ICSOM introduced an emergency resolution about Baltimore. Approval of body to introduce ER. No debate; adopted by voice vote.

John Leite, chair Small Locals Committee. Local donates $100 to BSO musicians. Has been a member of the AFM for 64 continuous years. Offers ER whereas small locals can get freelance co-funding. Body approved submission of ER.

Koos Calgary: I sympathize but there is no limit on project and we only have $100K; can't support that.

105: having used this program, I can say I support the use of that fund; it'd great to make it easier to access. Maybe need new guidelines.

815: recognize what they're trying to accomplish, but where this impacts how funds will be disbursed, such a resolution should have gone to Finance. I suggest that this be referred to IEB. Move to refer to IEB.

Ray: IEB would love to look at this. 

More discussion. Motion to refer adopted by voice vote.

389 Orlando pledges $1,000 to BSO musicians (half to local, half to musicians, personal donations as well)

More donations to BSO musicians and Baltimore local.

577: ER request. to require IEB to negotiated with motel chains for hotel discounts for traveling musicians. Body votes against submission of ER.

30-73: local donates $1,00o to BSO musicians and $500 to Baltimore local and $1,000 to ERF

(I didn't get all the donations: there were more than I recorded).

Ray: Reception tonight in 2935 from 7-10 tonight.

Ray called a 15-minute recess to prepare for elections. Recess began at 5:39 pm PDT. So this is the last post of the day until I get the results.

 

AFM Convention 2019 Day 3 Part 2 (AM)

Reconvened at 11:11 am: I made it back just in time for the group photo.

Local 47 point of personal privilege: all of us should thank a gentlemen who's been president of his local since 1996 and on the IEB since 2005; Joe Parente. What you've done for this union, your local, and all of us. (Backstory is that Parente lost his re-election bid for president in Philly and is leaving the IEB, although I haven't been told why.)

Longest standing ovation so far. Local 802 delegation remained seated (and not for the first time).

Syracuse delegate: proposes to make Parente IEB member emeritus; adopted by unanimous voice vote.

Ray thanked Joe. 

257 PPP: Local will donate $1,000 to BSO musicians

Local 17; local will donate $500 to BSO musicians

Tretick: want to add Andre Previn to memorial list.

Local 1000: donate $150 to BSO musicians; will also ask our members to contribute.

Local 72-147: Local ExBoard wishes to pledge $1,500 to Baltimore local.

ROPA; musicians of Houston Grand Opera and Ballet want to contribute $200 to BSO musicians

Smolik St. Louis: board has voted to give $500 to BSO musicians and $500 to Baltimore local

John Michael Smith ROPA: donate $250 to BSO musicians and encourage our musicians to join ICSOM Call to Action.

Atlanta: local would like to donate $1,000 to Baltimore Local.

Local 555 Puerto Rico: local donate $500 to BSO musicians, and will donate $100 personally.

Local 500: Local has challenged North Carolina Symphony with a matching donation to BSO musicians.

Local 450: one of the smallest Locals, but we can donate $100 to BSO musicians

Local 58 Ft Wayne: $200 to BSO musicians

Tremarello 8: donate $500 to Baltimore local

Hess Lancaster: $200 to BSO musicians

Wells 189: small local, $100 to BSO musicians

Local 24 Akron: $150 to BSO musicians

Local 3: pending board approval, $1,000 to BSO musicians

Local 7 Orange County; $500 to BSO musicians, $500 to local, also personal donation

Meredith Snow ICSOM: thank all the delegate for their generosity to BSO musicians. Ask your permission to introduce an emergency resolution in support of BSO musicians. Ray asked if he could ask Deacon John Moore to present first. Meredith agreed.

Ray called Deacon John to dais. Sang "This May Only Be A Dream."  Wonderfully sung. Standing ovation.

Deacon John said he'd been continuous AFM member since 1958. All my life I wanted to help other musicians not to have a day job; to show the young musicians how to make money. More to this than just playing gigs. If you want to make it, you have to diversity. AFM has taught me the most valuable lesson; how to treat other musicians ethically. All about how you treat each other and open doors for other people. I've truly been blessed to be a member. Don't plan to retire.

Eddie Bayens Law: not a culture in the world that doesn't have music. Now back to the dirty business. Law committee has considered Recommendation 11; NLRB has indicated some discomfort with existing Unfair List language. Law has come up with substitute recommendation.

Discussion. none. Adopted by voice vote. (Interestingly, no discussion as to what the NLRB's discomfort actually was).

Bayens: Often Recommendations and Resolutions deal with the same subject matter. Having looked at Rec 12 and Res 3 and 6, sufficient commonality that Law and Finance suggests a Package Resolution No. 1  (AFM bargain multiple-local productions). Touring business has been taken over by large corporations who are taking over all aspects of touring productions, and often play one local against another local. (Essentially gives IEB authority to negotiate or promulgate agreements covering such productions). Interestingly, the new section proposed would expire in 2022 unless renewed by 2022 Convention.

Brad Eggen addressed the work dues suggested, which would be 3.25%, allocated 2% to the Local and the rest to  the AFM. 

Discussion. Michael Moore Atlanta: question; does that mean producers would send work dues to AFM?

Ray; in past, in Pamphlet B, that's how it worked.

Mark Pinto Boston: in favor, urge future IEB to keep such agreements as simple as possible; to avoid tiered scales. The pile of money is huge in this field; no need for race to bottom.

McCosh Calgary: amend to add "better" before "conditions" in line 12.

Ray: because it's one word, won't need written copy.

Point of inquiry: are amendments permitted to package resolutions according to standing rules? (Good point.) (Consultation on dais.) Ray agrees; does not recognize amendment.

Local 149: technical pint re consistency with current bylaw. Ray says this establishes a new genre of touring agreement; doesn't involve Pamphlet B tours. Example is current Hugh Jackman tour. 

Local 367: we have a universe of AFM agreements. This package references a new sub-set of agreements. 

TMA: as author of Resolution 3, I support this package resolution. Support concept of one high rate, rather than tiered system. Ticket prices are high in all markets.

Pomeroy IEB: to clarify. Resolution 6 came from 257, want to clarify that consolidation does not interfere with intent.

Local 99: I did like in original Res 6 that S/T would create a new process.

Ray: comments need to be on the package. We hear your concerns and, as we begin to implement, we'll certainly keep them in mind.

Local 149: I hope Canadian dates generate revenue to Canadian pension fund.

Ray: Agree.

Package Resolution No. 1 adopted on voice vote.

Brad Eggen, Finance: Resolution No. 14 (Proposed Automatic multi-local rebates). (Would eliminate requirement that members need to apply for multi-local per cap rebates.) Brad described the history of discussion around multi-local rebates to members; should members have to pay multiple per caps? Over time, the compromise was that members of three or more locals, they would get rebates of the excess per caps paid. On the face of it, this resolution seems like a good idea, but it's a procedural nightmare. Committee recommendation is that resolution be defeated.

Pinto Boston: seems in this day and age: I can go to the AFM database now and see who's a member where.

Me: If the AFM doesn't have a new database that can handle this, it needs a new database.

ROPA: supports the Resolution.

Local 47: undue burden on local.

Buckley Jacksonville. I was present when the rebate system came in. We're in a new century, and I suggest we upgrade our bylaws to enter the new century. Amendment to strike all of th language in Section 16, substitute "no member shall be required to pay more than one AFM per capita."

Local 815 point of order: amendment not in order; a substantive change not allowed. needs to be brought as a separate motion. Although I'd like to see this amendment happen.

Ray; our parliamentarian agrees. Amendment is out of order.

Buckley: I'd like to have my objection to ruling of parliamentarian as part of the record.

Local 14: Database not able to handle this, especially requirement for length of membership for eligibility for rebate.

Local 65-699 Houston: Believe that onus of asking for rebate should be on the member, not on ST.

Local 7: I sympathize with spirit of this, but opposed to anything that encourages members to be more asleep at the switch than they currently are.

Ray introduced Ken Shirk to speak:

Shirk: just want to point out that members are entitled to the rebate; not a question of that. They just need to ask for it. Resolution would require considerable preparation; locals don't send us a list of members who pay their dues. Sometimes locals report more or less members than actually pay dues. Quality of info is only as good as what the Locals report. Under this, we could be rebating dues to people who hadn't actually paid dues. Un-manageable resolution. (Sadly, but not surprisingly, these are good points. Sadly, so was mine.)

Resolution 14 reported unfavorably; defeated on voice vote.

Ray introduced Lovie Smith-Wright. Gave report of Diversity Committee. Talked about Boston Symphony pay equity case; other presentations made by/to Diversity Committee.

Local 7: Local board member (name I missed) made a personal contribution of $500 to BSO musicians.

IM committee report: we met with Jay as well as owner and staff of Bentley-Hall, Bob Popick attended as guest (former owner of Bentley-Hall). IM had $304K loss last year, down from previous years. Committee thinks that IM is in good shape and in good hands.

Tammy Kirk chair Good and Welfare: Substitute Recommendation No. 5 (Annual Report electronic publishing).

This got a little complicated. Intent was that in non-convention years, report would only be published electronically. Our concern was that original language was not clear. In consultation with counsel, we came up with new language. Report is favorable on Substitute.

No debate; adopted by voice vote.

Kirk: Substitute Recommendation No. 7 (Locals include members dues-objectors on roster reports). Intent was to include non-member agency fee payers on rosters; only applicable in non-right-to-work states. Not applicable in Canada. 

Laura Ross Nashville: in original language, shouldn't there be a comma after a/k/a in Line 6.

Ray; yes.

adopted on voice vote.

Tammy Kirk TEMPO chair. Presented TEMPO award to Local 10-208; third-highest participation in TEMPO program. To Local 257, second highest participation. Local 6; highest contribution level in AFM. Local 4; highest membership in TEMPO Signature program.

Terry Jares: Local 10-208 board of directors donates to BSO musicians $2,500 to Local and $2,500 to musicians.

Ray: tomorrow morning we'll have an update on contributions.

Candy Lammers, chair of TEMPO committee; announced fire sale on remaining TEMPO shirts. And New England Conference would like to pledge $500 to BSO musicians.

Martin Andersen New Jersey; New Jersey Symphony will contribute $1,000 to BSO musicians, pending orchestra meeting.

Local 154 Colorado Springs: $150 to BSO musicians.

Pat Hollenbeck, Boston Local: PPP: on flight here, life lessons "you've never seen a cat's skeleton in a tree." We are the cat and the pension fund is the tree. Lawyer who spoke to retiree representation gave crystal-clear presentation. We need to educate Congress and constituents. Time to stop talking and acting. I'm going to contribute a week's pay to TEMPO to make this possible.

Ray called break at 12: 58 pm PDT.

 

 

 

AFM Convention 2019 Day 3 Part 1 (AM)

Ray called the meeting to order at 9:03. He informed the delegates that $40,000 had been raised yesterday for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians. (Some of that came from orchestras, of course, and likely would have come later as a response to a call for action from ICSOM. But still impressive.)

Ray introduced Rob DiPaolo, head of the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund. Talked about increases in fund income due to new sources of revenue negotiated by the AFM. Last year Fund paid out $7 million to almost 24,000 musicians; included a $1.9 million special distribution (based on settlement with Sony and Universal over unaudited company income). I have to admit that I didn't pay a lot of attention to the bulk of the presentation. It would be lovely if the AFM put the presenters' Powerpoint slide shows on the website; I'm sure a lot of this stuff is of more interest to various segments of our membership than it is to the delegates as a whole. I know that, if I made money from this Fund, I'd want to see this presentation. And lots of the presentations are very hard to read from where I sit.

Ray talked about the "ton of new money" that streaming has created, and how we want to replicate the AFM's success in negotiating for streaming revenue from sound recording in film and TV as well.

Ray introduced Dan Beck, Trustee of MPTF.

Beck talked about increase in revenue from streaming due to new agreements negotiated by the AFM. Last Convention, we had about 30 months until the Fund was insolvent. When your negotiating team saw that streaming was the future, that was a magic moment for the Fund. Imagine no MPTF; it's really important to understand how critical your efforts really are. We grew our distribution by 25% this last year; $848,000 in total. We'd been operating at a loss for probably a dozen years; we've turned that around. Will probably grant $1.1 million this year. We funded over 2,000 events last year, a growth over previous years.

Two years ago, 93 locals received grants. This last year, 105 Locals shared our grant resources. This FY we're projecting 120 Locals to receive grants. Talked about MusicianFest; an initiative to put solo musicians into senior centers strapped for money. We've done 500 of these a year; this year we'll do 1,000. A film about that is on the Fund website. (showed excerpt from film). Standing ovation after clip.

Our next goat is to appear in bigger arts and community events. People need you and live music.

Standing ovation. Ray thanked Beck. He said that the employers of the SLRA were determined to let MPTF die. Their lead negotiator said "we are not going to put more money into your favorite charity." Today we saw Universal's VP of Royalties talk about great MPTF was. After John Hall died, employers hired Dan Beck without even talking to us. We almost filed a ULP over it. When I got to know Dan, though, I found it he was what we really needed.

Ray returned to Resolution No. 12; said that the proponent (John O'Connor) had withdrawn it yesterday and had intended to submit an Emergency Resolution as a substitute, but had decided not to. Ray said that the AFM would provide best practice guidelines in the next 12 months regarding the issues raised by the Resolution, and invited comment. I went to the mic and thanked John O'Connor for raising an important issue and the IEB for taking the issue on formally, thereby helping many of us in the field, even if we didn't realize we needed help.

I thus broke my resolution not to speak once at the mic at this Convention. O well.

Ray proceeded to Emergency Recommendation No.1 (AFM Code of Conduct). He read most (maybe all) of it. He introduced General Counsel Emeritus Jeff Freund to speak on the origin of the Code of Conduct; impetus came from events that occurred at AFM events.

Alan Keys: point of order; doesn't this require permission of the body to be introduced?

Ray: not according to standing rules of convention; IEB can introduce by 2/3 majority vote.

Eddie Bayens: this was considered and recommended by Law Committee.

Freund: as I was saying, concerns arose about previous events. We concluded we didn't have language to deal with that. At the same time, various organizations developed various approaches and responses to these issues. AFL-CIO adopted codes of conduct like this one; this language comes directly from an AFL-CIO organization's rules of procedure.

Jennifer Garner; would just add hat this administration has always taken this issue very seriously. It's past time to have this codified.

Local 815: am huge proponent, but have one concern regarding definition of discrimination. Concerned that it might invalidate bylaws (Article 17 Section 4b (re merged locals and additional delegate) that allow for diversity delegates, as they are chosen partly on the basis of race and ethnicity.

Ray: scope of ER is about behavior at AFM events; should not be viewed as a vehicle to infringe on other bylaws.

Freund: you'll remember a long discussion at a previous convention on how Article 17 Section 4b needed to be changed. There is now nothing inconsistent between ER and that bylaw.

Local 99: thank the IEB for this; question re 14c (line 72); want clarification that when designated person is the person about who the complaint is made, what happens.

Ray: good question. Jay's not going to do anything (laughter) If there ever was a high priest of this organization...

(consultation on the dais)

Ray: house counsel suggests adding "or his or her designee" after "international S/T" We'll take under consideration.

Local 6 Beth Zare: in suport.

Ray: if you'll just agree that we'll modify this to solve that problem, we'll go ahead

Local 193: you asked us to look this over carefully, and I did so. I have nothing to say about about content, but I do have a comment about the Oxford comma; practice is not consistent. Encourage to to fix it.

Ray: we will make those changes.

Local 99: if we need an amendment, I've got one. Add to Line 74 "designated person shall not the be the subject... (after S/T) or the most senior IEB member in attendance."

Local 149: amendment will cause a circular reference.

?: article 18 section 9 refers to amendments in writing.

Ray: requested that amendment be put in writing.

Local 4: point about senior vs highest-ranking.

Ray shot me down (correctly) when I raised a point about another issue.

Local 99: New amendment re line 74; didn't quite catch it. (some by-play about bad handwriting; turns out it was actually Jeff Freund's writing.)

Me: is that fact that not every characteristic listed in lines 5-6 not actually protected by law in every jurisdiction an issue that could open a loophole?

Freund: no.

? amendment Line 20 insert "unjust or prejudicial" before "decision."

Freund: Gives me some pause. Neither term is defined by policy, and actually narrows the policy rather than expand it.

Local 47: intention was to narrow; (not quite sure I understood the point). 

Francine Local 802: I agree that just the word "unjust" would be good.

Local 400: asks lawyers to speak to overarching nature and maybe dispose of all these things by that. This is about negative actions, not positive ones.

Ray: this is pretty much a carbon copy of what the AFL-CIO put together to protect people from being hurt; not intended to create a pathway for other expressions. This is my 18th convention; I've witnessed and seen things that have given rise to need for protection.

Garner: appreciate the point; Ray is correct that was intended to protect against harmful acts. Perhaps change "prejudicial" to "harmful."

Local 47: happy to withdraw amendment in terms of suggested amendment.

Ray; asked permission to withdraw. need permission of seconders and body; no objection hears, withdrawn.

ROPA: concerned about adding limiting language; don't need it.

Ray: previous speaker suggested the IEB insert the word "harmful" in line 20. (consultation). With the permission of the body and deference to delegate from 359, ask permission of body to insert "harmful" before "decision" on Line 20. (no objection). 

Ray: further discussion on main motion. None; ER 1 adopted on voice vote.

announcements

bio break at 10:51 am

 

AFM Convention 2019 Day 2 wrap

It looks like I lost the post I wrote this morning about yesterday. O well. Yesterday wasn't very interesting anyway.

Day 2 had its moments, but in general it rather feels as if too little material is trying to fill up too much time. This is not anyone's fault; the IEB cannot control the volume of legislation being proposed, the Convention has to be scheduled long in advance, and this year the volume of Recommendations and Resolutions is the lowest I've seen it since my first convention in 1995 (I think). Eddie Bayens, long-time chair of the Law Committee, jokingly chided the IEB for Recommendations fixing what were essentially grammatical errors in the bylaws. But I'm not sure he was really joking; some of them really were at that level. And none of the IEB's Recommendations would make any substantive change to anything. That's not a criticism, but I think it is a fact. And, being mostly technical in nature, they don't take long for the Convention to deal with. Most, so far, have not only been approved by unanimous or near-unanimous voice vote, but have inspired no floor debate at all.

The three resolutions regarding the finances of bargaining unit associations (ie those groups that orchestra musicians form internally to do business) that were put forth by John O'Connor went away today; two by defeat and one by withdrawal. This too was not a surprise, although Resolution 12 in particular did raise some issues that the AFM needs to deal with.

Not surprisingly, the nominations also followed the "nothing interesting here; move along" rule. All four of the titled positions were filled by acclamation, which is to say that the incumbent, and no one else, was nominated and thus won more or less by default. There was some speculation that the new president of Local 802, Adam Krauthamer (who also is a leader in the Musicians for Pension Security group), would be nominated for Vice-president, but it didn't happen - perhaps (and this is pure speculation) because he has received a more hostile reception here at the Convention than he anticipated.

So the traditional AFM parlor game of handicapping the election is less fun than usual this year, but not necessarily easier. I had thought, coming in, that Tino Gagliardi was the candidate on the Unity slate at most risk of losing. This was mostly because Tino is no longer a local officer, having lost the presidency of Local 802 last year, and it's historically been very, very hard for someone not a Local officer to win an IEB seat. But it is possible that he'll benefit from a large sympathy vote, especially as his replacement at 802 does not appear to have made a great impression on the delegates so far. And Tino has been around a long time, and the delegates know him and have no reason not to like him. So the fact that he is not currently a Local officer may not be as damaging as history would suggest it to be.

Of the three non-slate candidates running, I suspect that Luc Fortin has the best chance of winning, especially if the Canadian delegation unites behind him. But I think it's unlikely he'll get many more votes than those; given that Canadians are guaranteed one seat on the IEB by virtue of the VP/Canada position anyway, and that they have a great deal of autonomy anyway, I think the delegates will resist adding another Canadian to the IEB, regardless of who that Canadian is. That's certainly been the history at least. I think Fortin would be the first Canadian on the IEB who was not VP/Canada in a very long time, perhaps ever. And the AFM doesn't do "firsts" easily.

The other two non-slate candidates are first-timers, and first-timers almost never win. So I would put my money (although not much) on all the slate candidates being elected, with Fortin getting the next-highest number of votes.

It'll make for a shorter night for the Election Committee at least.

AFM Convention 2019 Day 2 Part 2.5 (PM)

(Sorry for the break; a friend needed to charge his phone off my laptop)

Nominations for S/T. David Angus nominates Jay Blumenthal. No other nominations. Jay elected by acclamation.

Ray opened floor for nominations for IEB.

Tammy Kirk nominates Tina Morrison. Laura Ross nominates Dave Pomeroy. Doug Koos (?) 547 nominates Tino Gagliardo. Ron Blaine 26-23 Denver nominates Michael Allen, Denver president. Marta Bradley DC local nominates Ed Malaga. Keith Nelson ST Las Vegas nominates Beth Zare (ST Local 6 San Francisco). Rick Baptist VP 47 nominates John Acosta. Stefanie Tretick (Pittsburgh) nominates Luc Fortin (Montreal). End of nominations (no surprises; all candidates were declared in advance).

Nominations for delegate to AFL-CIO convention. Nancy Nelson (Houston) nominates Lovie Smith-Wright. No other nominations; Lovie Smith-Wright elected by acclamation. Ray declared all nominations closed.

Francine Schutzmann (Ottawa); donations to BSO can be made on their website.

Ray reminded delegates to convene tomorrow at 9 am. Elections at close of session at around 5:15 pm PDT.

AFM Convention 2019 Day 2 Part 2 (PM)

back into session at 3:05 pm.

Ray presented Candy Lammers, TEMPO chair, who spoke encouraging people to join and what TEMPO had already accomplished.

Ray encouraged delegates to look at Emergency Recommendation No. 1 before tomorrow.

Ray introduced John Smith, president of FIM, and Benoit Machuel, general secretary of FIM.

Smith: my second AFM convention; first was 2005 at Riviera. A member of BMU since 1969, just celebrated 50 years of continuous membership. FIM formed in 1948, groundswell of goodwill after the war. Our first office was in Switzerland, with the AFM one of the early members. Structure is presidium, president and five vice-presidents (currently Brazil, Cameroon, Switzerland, Denmark, and US). ExComm is made up of countries, even if country has more than one union (Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Sweden, Japan, UK, Kenya and a few others).

Every four years we have a congress; next one is next November in Yokohama. We try to address issues that affect musicians across the world; issues tend to be the same underneath. Live performance, music education (getting to be only the rich can get a musical education), union recognition in the developing world, mental health issues. We sponsor FIM orchestra conferences as well. A new venture for us; a conference in Copenhagen for freelance musicians to share their problems. Bruce Fife came to that one.

Machuel: talked about various international agreements covering collective bargaining and the International Labor Organization. Convention 182 adopted in 1999 on the worst forms of child labor. Music has something to do with this; we took part in an initiative against child labor. 

Talked about digital performance rights (I think).  Talked about activities in developing world; working to get unions recognized there. Often musicians not considered as employees, so unions not allowed to represent them.

Always fantastic to attend a conference like this one; breathing the air of trade unionism. We're with you. United we bargain; divided we beg.

Ray introduced Horace Trubridge, general secretary of British Musicians Union.

Trubridge: I know this is the graveyard shift, so try to liven things up. I've been general secretary for over 2 years and really enjoying it. The BMU is in good shape; 31,000 members. Good relations with all the major employers. I'm a product of free music lessons in the schools. Now there are places in the UK where young people haven't seen seen someone play an instrument. Talent everywhere, but not opportunity. Talked about his own career and what he learned. Talked about a contract advisory service BMU initiated. We've introduced a scheme where a musician can join the union for a pound for six months; has really helped us to grow. The key is retention; we're concentrating our efforts on that. We're also marketing the union in a different way; we don't only look after musicians, we look after music. We have a supporter scheme as well. We have a campaign called "Work not play." We call out bad engagers on our website. We offer five different insurances.

When I first came to work at the union, I was the kid who looked after rock bands and got absolutely inundated. One of the older officials told me "you're doing it wrong. When a member calls up, tell them to put it in writing. That's get rid of about 50%." That's how our union used to work; a hangover from the closed shop. A deep level of complacency that no union can afford to have any more.

A pleasure working with Ray on FIM. Your union and BMU are the greatest musicians union in the world, and we should work together whenever we can.

Ray introduced Jay Blumenthal for S/T report

"No slides and no speech."  Recognized his staff: Nadine Sylvester, John Ferrone, Michelle Ledgister, Walter Lopez. Talked about the cost of the move; preliminary numbers only for now. Final numbers will be in the IM. Total cost of construction of new space $2,139,000. Landlord, as part of lease, picked up $1,292,000 of that. Soft costs (architects, engineers, legal, phones, pre-construction for telecom, furniture) $960,00o to date. It'll be $2.2 - 2.4 in total. 15 year lease. We can leave in 10 years if we can afford to purchase then. 18,300 s.f. rentable square feet (includes public spaces). Useable s.f about 14,000 s.f,; similar to what we had.  We designed it a lot differently than the old space, though. Enlarged space for conference room for larger negotiations. Across for that, we have two conference rooms for caucuses. We now have much larger kitchen/staff dining areas. I'm very happy about the space.

I hope you will all come visit us at your home. I want you to feel a part of this new space as being yours.

Regarding finances, all of you remember several conventions where the first recommendation was for more money that the AFM needed. We know it's difficult for locals to come up with more money for the AFM. But for the last nine years, new revenue streams have been developed, and those have helped to improve our bottom line. Very pleased to announce that in 2018 we had an increase in net assets of over $2.5 million. This is not because of great financial acumen; not rocket science. The money coming in is more than the money going out. Just takes discipline. Ray and the IEB have been phenomenal at creating new revenue streams. I watch the pennies. The result is in the numbers.

International Musician; for several years Cherie Yurco was managing editor. Cherie has recently left Bentley-Hall, we are so lucky that they were able to find Jason Emerson, new managing editor, and Cherie was still there to train him. Already has two issues under his belt. Please say hello to him. 

Lastly, want to talk about consultation letters (one of our revenue streams) to the government re groups who need a visa to come work in the US. Over the years, the fee we charge has contributed significantly to our bottom line; losing it would have been very painful. I was always very concerned about if that money would go away. Last year, we made $1.9 million from that. Even if that went away, we'd still have a surplus. We had a very positive meeting with head of USCIS along with other entertainment/media issues. One problem is that of fraudulent letter. Second meeting set up for June; unfortunately head of USCIS was canned June 1. Not sure what'll happen with new appointee.

Standing ovation

Local 6 delegate: SF Opera donates $3,000 to BSO musicians

various announcements

Beth Zare: on behalf of Local 6 officers and delegates, $1,000 to BSO musicians.

Luc Fortin, Local 406; $2,000 to BSO musicians from Local

Local 618 Tracey Whitney; added a name to Memorial list. Also Local pledges $1,500 to BSO

Paul Austin ICSOM president. You can purchase BSO musicians  t-shirts and merchandise on their website (bsomusicians.org)

Toronto Local 149; $2,000 for BSO musicians

Local 104; small local would like to donate $500 to BSO, personally donate $400.

Local 47; donate $2,500 to BSO musicians

Local 4 Cleveland; donate $1,000 to Baltimore local.

Ray donated $1,000 to Baltimore local.

Local 506 Saratoga Springs; donates $250 to BSO

Cathy Sheridan Local 85-XXX, Local donates $250 to BSO musicians

Local 149, asked for pledges for $100 from delegates; lots of hands raised.

Ed Carfagno, Local 78 Syracuse; $200 personal donation to BSO

John Spratt, Election committee. Rules for nominations; candidates may only be nominated. Only members in good standing may be nominated. Rule 4; nominating speeches may be 2 minutes long; 

Bruce Fife; nominations for International President. Brad Eggen nominates Ray Hair. Keith Nelson, Local 269 (out of order). No other nominations. Nominations closed; Ray elected by acclamation. 

Tammy Noreka nominates Bruce Fife for AFM Vice-president. No other nominations. Bruce Fife elected by acclamation.

Nominations for VP Canada. (didn't catch name) nominated Alan Willaert.

 

AFM Convention 2019 Day 2 Part 1 (AM)

At 10:06 am, Ray announced that the Joint Law and Finance meeting was running late, and that we'd wait to convene until they got here. They got here; Ray called the meeting to order at 10:26 am.

Ray asked the staff to close the doors for the memorial service. He turned the meeting over to Bruce Fife f

(placeholder due to inability to blog during service; more later)

Memorial Service ended at 10:58; standing ovation for orchestra

Ray introduced Brad Eggen, Finance chair;

Canadian Conference donates $500 to BSO musicians

Some additions to list of names

Brad Eggen: Recommendation No. 1 (IEB dues recommendation) (Recommendation No.1 is that there be no dues increases).  Committee heard from outside analysts on state of AFM finances; positive  but not overwhelmingly so. Some caution needed. We explored needs of members, possibility of dues reductions, but rejected that. Committee concluded to recommend that Recommendation be approved.

Ray called for discussion; there being none, Recommendation 1 was passed on a voice vote (one no?)

Ray asked Fort Worth Symphony musicians and organizers to come to dais.

Committee chair (name?) talked about "growth not cuts" campaign; began at brainstorming session of committee. All began in 2010, when musicians accepted 8-week cut in season. We needed much more public support, so stepped up outreach to audiences. Had post-concert meet-and-greets, benefit concerts, and became more visible. Started a war chest and joined the Stoke Fund. In 2015, management presented regressive proposal of cuts and health insurance increases. "There's just no money in Ft. Worth." "We've left no stone unturned."

We needed to step up our game even more; did leafleting, flash mobs, visited local downtown businesses, gave speeches from the stage. Management couldn't stop us once we were on stage. As time went on, audience enthusiasm built to standing ovations.

Most important action leading up to strike was an open letter to community, asking for signatures. (Recognized Matt Plummer, former AFM organizer) Had enough names in the end for two scrolls that extended across the width of the stage (4,500 signatures). (Nice video presentation about presentations for strike and strike itself; hopefully will be made more widely available). 

 Talked about honking campaign, $109 campaign (will add more about these later). We think our connections to the community were responsible for the $750K donation from an anonymous donor. We presented that to the mediator, she went and talked to management and the strike was over after 4 months. The unity shown by our colleagues was inspiring.

FWSO musicians pledge $5,000 to BSO musicians. Thanked AFM organizers Todd Jehlen and Stuart Williams. Also thanked Ray Hair, who came down frequently to support us and gave some incredible speeches, walked the picket line, but also built the foundation for our work as president of DFW local over the years.

Standing ovation.

Ray introduced musicians from Boise Philharmonic to talk about organizing campaign (took a break at this point; sorry). At end, announced birth of Local 423 of the AFM (new local). Immediate standing ovation.

Ray introduced Diversity Committee, Lovie Smith-Wright chairperson. Thanked all locals that participated in Diversity Awards. Made awards to Gilbert Sedeño, someone else whose name I didn't catch.

Ray introduced Dan Cerveny, president of Omaha Local, and Jim Schuler, blues guitarist and member of DFW local. Described situation when his band was playing in Omaha and got stiffed by venue owner. Contacted Ray, who reached out to Dan, who helped us a lot. Dan told how he'd gotten in touch with the Central Labor Council and managed to cause all kinds of trouble for the venue until the venue paid Jim.

Brad Eggen, chair of Finance. Recommendation 2 (Emergency Relief Fund) (diverts $0.10 of per cap dues to maintain the EFR at a balance of $100,000). Finance Committee recommends adoption of Recommendation 2. Brad described how Fund was new, started in response to California fire disasters.

Ray called for discussion. No discussion, passed on unanimous voice vote.

Brad Eggen presented Recommendation No. 4 (ROPA ERF loan repayments) (increases penalties for failure to repay loans from Fund). Finance Committee recommends adoption of Recommendation No. 4.

Ray called for discussion. No discussion. Passed on voice vote.

Brad Eggen: Recommendation No. 8 (clarifies maximum payable work dues locally). Committee recommends adoption as a clarification of what was intended.

Ray called for discussion. Local 369 questions whether it actually does clarify. Brad clarifies that it does. Local 369 suggested change; moves amendment to strike the word "minimum" in Line 7; seconded. Amendment passes by voice vote. No more discussion on Recommendation as amended; passes on voice vote.

Brad: Resolution No. 4 (Canada-to-US Border Crossing) (requires resources to "advocate for better conditions for Canadian musicians traveling for work to the US). Finance committee opposes adoption. Brad explained the history of how the AFM tried to address how hard it was for Canadian musicians to work in the US as opposed to the reverse, but committee was concerned about ambiguity in language in Resolution re what the IEB is actually supposed to do.

Ray called for discussion. Local 149 (proponents); we were hoping to submit a substitute resolution, but Finance hasn't had time to consider yet. Ray and Brad confer. Ray asked for permission of body to withdraw Resolution 4 and to have Finance look at substitute. No objection from the floor; Resolution 4 will return to committee.

Ray introduced Eddie Bayens chair of Law committee. talked about Emergency Recommendation No. 2 (adds a code of conduct to AFM bylaws). Will be considered later.

These 4-hour sessions without breaks are really too long, especially

Eddie: Recommendation No. 6 (technical change to Article 11 Section 2(b)). Eddie described it as a "grammatical improvement." Ray called for discussion; none. Passed by voice vote.

Eddie reminded the IEB that they are authorized to make grammatical changes on their own.

Eddie presented Resolution 2 (Touring musical theater orchestra size). Law committee presents amended Resolution 2. (Basically turns it into a "best efforts" directive). No debate, rather surprisingly. Passes on voice vote.

Eddie presents Resolution No. 5 (Eligibility requirements for Federation office) (requires continuous 2 years membership in order to be nominated for AFM office). Law committee recommends adoption. No discussion. passes on voice vote.

(In practice, no one gets nominated without having been a member for a while anyway: I wonder why the Canadian Conference proposed this.)

Eddie presente Resolution No. 10 (Altering CBAs only through collective bargaining). Eddie described it as a response to an individual local situation. No collective agreement is perfect; this bylaw is too restrictive and counter-productive. Committee agrees that no local officer should make deals with management without consulting orchestra committee. Also a problem for AFM agreements; hard to consult bargaining unit or even determine it simply to make a small adjustment to keep work. Law committee recommends against adoption. No discussion; defeated on voice vote.

Eddie presented Resolution No 11 (Dues and fees required of members). Committee needed clarification regarding what the problem really was; came to feel resolution was intended to address individual problem, but would affect all orchestra committees negatively. Committee recommends against adoption, but also suggests that SSD might establish some requirements regarding how committees handle their internal funds.

Discussion: John O'Connor (proponent). In order to appeal to Law committee to formalize their SSD recommends. Ray interpreted as motion to refer to IEB. Motion defeated. Resolution 11 defeated.

Resolution 12; Proponent requests permission to withdraw and for body to later condor emergency resolution on the topic. Withdrawal approved.

Chair of Measures and Benefits re Recommendation No 3 (Alternate delegate to AFL-CIO Convention). Amended wording. Martin Andersen suggested a change in wording (actually to language not under consideration). Approved. Amended recommendation No 3 adopted by voice vote.

Chair of Measures and Benefits re Recommendation No. 8 (AFM printout of local rosters) (deleting requirement for ST to send each local printed rosters every month). Recommends adoption of Recommendation No. 8. No debate, adopted on voice vote.

Tammy Noreka (org and leg committee chair). Recommendation No. 10 (Resolutions and candidate statements submission deadline) (technical non-substantive change in language). A surprising amount of discussion regarding language. Call for question; approved. Recommendation No. 10 approved by voice vote.

Tammy Noreka (org and leg committee chair). Resolution No. 7 (ROPA ERF orchestra participation eligibility update) (appears to be technical non-substantive change). Adopted on voice vote.

Brad Eggen; testimony on Resolution 8 will be taken at break.

Ray adjourned the meeting at 1:28 for lunch.

 

 

 

AFM Convention Day 1 Part 8 (Player Conference reports)

4:32 PM PDT

Ray introduced Marc Sazer, president of RMA:

Unity and Organizing: talked about RMA's efforts to organize members to seek fairness from media giants. Streaming is now the basis for media distribution. in 2019 $23 billion projected to be spent on streaming content, not including AT&T or Comcast. Streaming is coming to be first. Companies are adamant about refusing fair compensation for this. Everyone else on screen is paid for that, but not the musicians. That's not right. 

This threatens the AFM holistically. Will do grave harm to pension fund. Dues revenue is at risk.

The industry wants to pay us like crew and not like talent. Breaking this pattern will be hard. AFM and 47 are investing in real campaigning. We'll be sharing more in the next few days; building a grassroots campaign. The call for musicians in the trenches is "break the pattern." We have to break our own patterns, though. We need to walk into negotiations with everyone outside the room at our back.

Talked about internal conflicts. Each of you is more than a member of a faction; you're also leaders and officers. When we deal with employers, we stand shoulder to shoulder. Our unity is our only strength.

Ray introduced John Michael Smith, president of ROPA:

After 45 years of membership, I'm finally attending my first convention. ROPA began in 1984 with the first conference in Columbus OH. 29 attendees representing 13 orchestras. Now we have 91 orchestras. Nearly 6,000 musicians. Talked about governance structure. Talked about ROPA's mission. Talked about ROPA's activities since last convention; participation in IMA negotiations, union education program for New World Symphony fellows, participation in FIM convention in Montreal. We are working to spread our message of solidarity around the world.

Much work around diversity equity and inclusion. Support of NAS program (audition support for minority musicians). Attended Sphinx Connect meeting in Detroit. I believe that ROPA and ICSOM are working more closely together than ever before. Many ROPA musicians play as subs and extras in ICSOM orchestras. We are stronger together. Also much crossover between RMA, TMA, and ROPA.

ROPA musicians turned out in support of both Chicago strikes. We sent out a call for action in support. We'd like to thank the AFM for local leader training program, as well as for the increasing organizing focus, as exemplified by the Boise Philharmonic becoming a union orchestra.

Ray introduced Robert Fraser from OCSM:

It's amazing how much of my last speech at an AFM convention can be recycled. Thanked Canadian local officers and Canadian national officers and staff. Talked about mission of OCSM. Talked about developing first national Canadian symphonic media agreement. The whole purpose of the player conferences is to promote better adulting amongst our members; more engaged, healthier, more diverse as well as better paid. "So, if you'll excuse me, I'll go sit in that corner and think about what I just did."

Ray introduced Tony D'Amico from TMA

Talked about mission of TMAl; to represent all musicians who work in theaters, regardless of size. Our last meeting focused on the current state of the theater business. We have 10 city chapters. We've been at the table for Pamphlet B and other theater negotiations. On a local level, we publish model language for local agreements, especially regarding keyboardists. Size of pit orchestras for touring productions is a key issue for us. We are sponsoring a resolution addressing this, as well as the problem of multiple-local engagements.

Ray introduced Meredith Snow of ICSOM:

Thanks especially to Rochelle Skolnick of SSD (applause). Thanks to Rochelle and Debbie Newmark for all the work going into the new IMA. Talked about progress towards sub/extra parity. In conjunction with League of American Orchestra initiatives and Mellon Foundation programs, we are looking at diversity initiatives. National Alliance for Audition Support is giving money and training to young artists of color to support their auditions. This is the first time that the AFM, ROPA and ICSOM have worked with the League on a program.

We've had many good settlements, but Chicago demonstrates that problems remain. Special thanks to Matt Comerford. ICSOM is seeing a change in the balance of power in our business. We're increasingly dependent on contributions; this is changing how negotiations work. I have no answers, but it's increasingly important that we renew our relationships with other unions. Social media campaigns have in many cases been a turning point in negotiations.

Talked about Baltimore Symphony. Their summer season is locked out as of today. Their board and management have been disgracefully ineffective in fulfilling their responsibilities to their orchestra. Our calls to actions have raised tens of thousand; most recently over $100K for the Chicago Symphony. The musicians in Baltimore need our help. What happens there affects us all. Introduced Michael Moore, who announced a lead gift to the BSO musicians of $10,000. Michael asked that Brian Rood might speak, Ray ascertained there was no objection. Brian spoke about the BSO lockout, and announced a $3,000 gift from the Kansas City Symphony musicians to the BSO. Meredith read a message from Mary Plaine, Baltimore local officer.  BSO musicians are united in opposing management's proposals. We thank you all for your support.

Rachel Dorfman Local 105. point of personal privilege. Small local, but we pledge $100 for the BSO musicians.

Ed Malaga DC president; point of privilege. Our musicians have supported the BSO musicians in picketing. Local would like to contribute $2,000 to BSO musicians.

Other various announcements. Alphonso Pollard thanked participants in TEMPO leadership campaign. Talked about TEMPO raffle. Thanked Ray for his support.

Francine Schutzmann, delegate from Ottawa; pledged $500C to BSO musicians.

Ray announced schedule for tomorrow. Declared meeting adjourned at 5:26 pm PST.