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.
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