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Entertainment Unions Featured at Inaugural Burbank Media Industry Expo & Job Fair

On August 1, 2024, the City of Burbank proudly presented the first Media Industry Expo & Job Fair, a groundbreaking event designed to give students the knowledge and tools needed for a career in the media industry.

Hosted by Woodbury University and Burbank Public Library, the event featured area organizations and businesses involved in the entertainment industry. Continue reading

Parlaying Organizing Efforts: 2024 CA Labor Fed Convention

Musicians United, 2024 CA Labor Fed Convention style: AFM Local 47 Organizer Rahul Neuman, Local 47 member Sidney Hopson, California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzales, AFM Local 7 (Orange County) President Edmund Velasco, and AFM Local 6 (San Francisco) Executive Board member John Fisher.

by Rahul Neuman, AFM Local 47 Organizer

I was fortunate to be able to represent AFM Local 47 at this year’s California Labor Federation Convention in San Diego, July 15-17, along with my colleague, Sidney Hopson. This was the largest CA Fed convention yet, with 700 delegates in attendance. It was inspiring to hear so many union activists speak on a diverse set of issues, and quite a learning experience. While there were the typical pro forma aspects (e.g., Call to Order, Nomination of Officers), the other messages centered around organizing for the 2024 General Elections and expanding unions. Continue reading

Musicians Support SAG-AFTRA Video Game Workers on Strike

On August 1, AFM Local 47 musicians got on the line alongside our SAG-AFTRA colleagues as they go up against the Video Game industry, fighting for A.I. protections to ALL video game performers.

Two days prior, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40 (IBEW), International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 399 (IBT), Laborers International Union of North America Local 724 (LiUNA!), Operating Plasterers & Cement Masons International Association (OPCMIA) Local 755, United Association Plumbers Local 78 (UA), Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) issued the following joint statement of solidarity with striking members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) who work on video games:

“For more than 18 months, the SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee has worked in good faith to reach a deal on a new contract with 10 video game producing companies. Despite the committee’s efforts, these employers – who generate billions of dollars in annual profit from 3.2 billion active gamers worldwide – failed to recognize the rights of workers to be protected against the unconstrained rise of artificial intelligence. These workers have made the difficult choice to strike as they fight for basic AI protections, and we stand with them in solidarity. Our unions understand the need to fight back against the threat of AI. We call on these video game companies to acknowledge the contributions of these performers, and to work toward a future where their work is valued, and their labor cannot be replaced by technology.”

August 2024 Overture Online: All Things Percussion

Inside This Issue:

  • COVER STORY: All Things Percussion
  • Announcing Our New Percussion Rehearsal Room
  • Member Spotlight: Alex Acuña
  • E2 is Here! Log In to Your New Online User Account
  • Parlaying Organizing Efforts: 2024 CA Labor Fed Convention
  • AFM Endorses Kamala Harris for U.S. President
  • #WhyUnion? Howie Rich Shares His Answer (and you can, too!)
  • Audition Notice: New West Symphony
and more!
 

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For special members-only Overture content — Executive Board minutes, CBAs, Local 47 Wage Scales, Bylaws, Suspended/Expelled member lists, and more — log in to your new E2 member account at ensemble.afm47.org and browse the “Overture” section on the Documents page. (New to E2? Visit our E2 FAQ here.)

City of Burbank Media Industry Expo and Job Fair: 8/1/2024

Join us at the City of Burbank Media Industry Expo and Job Fair! AFM Local 47 musicians will be among the many media industry professionals sharing their insights and experiences in the entertainment business.

Whether a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to break into the media industry, this premier event offers an exceptional opportunity for participants to connect, learn, and succeed in the media industry.

For more information, visit cityofburbankjobfair.com.

BREAKING: AFM-EPF Application for Special Financial Assistance Approved

Today the Board of Trustees of the American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund announced that the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has approved the AFM-EPF application for Special Financial Assistance. Funds are expected to be received on or about August 12, 2024. Continue reading