Tag Archives: organizing

Streaming is the Future – What are we doing about it?

Negotiations between the AFM and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) begin on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. We’re taking on the most important aspect of the future of the recording industry: new media and streaming services.

Musicians working in all areas of the business are encouraged to attend these important contract negotiations that will affect all of us. Watch the video message from the AFM Local 47 Executive Board, and sign up below to stay informed on important updates and to RSVP to attend negotiations on March 13:

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Super Bowl: Personal Foul

We have a very serious problem in Los Angeles, and there’s a certain project that’s on all our minds: Magic Johnson’s Super Bowl ad.

The music for this commercial was recorded non-union, by CMG. If the gig were union, these musicians would have been paid for the session, the airing of the ad on TV and internet, benefits, and sidelining. If this gig were union the musicians would have earned $933.82. Instead, the musicians were paid a paltry $175 in a buyout deal. Continue reading →

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Non-Union Concert Goes AFM

Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra was placed on the American Federation of Musicians International Unfair List and AFM Local 47 Do Not Work For List earlier this month for failure to pay musicians according to industry standards.

A week later, as a direct result of these actions, Kaleidoscope was canceled for a high-profile engagement they were scheduled to do in Anaheim for the company Music Paradigm for an engagement historically conducted under union contract. Once the employer was made aware that Kaleidoscope would not guarantee fair wages and benefits to the musicians, they instead hired a Local 47 contractor to secure an all-AFM orchestra.

We are stronger together! If you are called for a non-union engagement, please submit a report to Local 47’s Anonymous Tip Line: 424-341-DARK (3275), bit.ly/darkdate

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New Agreement With Wallis Annenberg Center

We are pleased to announce a new three-year deal with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

The Wallis CBA is the result of many years of dialogue with the management at the venue. “I want to thank Local 47 member Dan Savant for his help in arriving at this deal along with Business Rep Michael Ankney, who maintained a good working relationship with the venue’s operations team,” says AFM Local 47 President John Acosta. Continue reading →

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‘Allegiance’ Musical Goes AFM

We are pleased to report a recent organizing win in signing a new agreement with the East West Players for the production of “Allegiance,” a new musical running in Little Tokyo starring George Takei.

This victory came as the result of direct action by Asian-American musicians at Local 47 who felt passionately about ensuring that this project go union. The musical addresses the hardships and discrimination against Japanese Americans during WWII, when thousands of Americans were put into internment camps.
Continue reading →

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47 Strong: Hitting the streets

From President John Acosta’s February 2018 report:

As we continue our “47 Strong” campaign, you will see an increased union presence in the workplace. From recording sessions to the theater pit, Local 47 reps are out and about connecting with our membership on the issues that are important to you.

While we tell you about the initiatives we are embarking upon – from music tax credits, to fair pay in live performances– it’s also important that we know what the union can do to help you on the job.

If you want to help us organize an event at your workplace, covering anything and everything that affects your work, please contact our Organizing Coordinator Jefferson Kemper: 323.993.3143, jefferson.kemper@afm47.org.

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Women’s March Los Angeles 2018

Saturday, January 20th, 2018
9 a.m. – Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles

One year ago musicians made history by being part of the largest demonstration ever in Los Angeles. This year we will make our voices (and instruments) heard in the streets AND at the ballot box.

Musicians are taking a leadership role among entertainment unions: turning activism into political power for working people. Join us as we kick off a new year.

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