Archives: April 2002
04/01/02 Member Benefits
MPTF Scholarship Winners
Local 655 is pleased to announce the following winners of this year’s MPTF Scholarships. Thanks to members Jeanne Tarrant, Alfredo Oliva, Gary Keller, and Dana Teboe for serving on the selection committee, thanks to Dean Hipp of the University of Miami for providing a location to hold the auditions, and congratulations to the winners!
04/01/02 That Union Thing
Origins of the Labor Movement…Part 3: 19th Century Unrest
The early 1800’s saw the first developments of the labor movement in the United States. In 1827 in Philadelphia, an organization of workers of more than one craft created citywide concerted action and in the 1830’s organizations were fighting for free education and against monopolies. However, it was in 1834 that the movement really began with the formation of the National Trades Union, as they tried to battle market competition (which drove down wages and drove up work) and immigration (that brought competition from cheap labor.)
04/01/02 Symphonic Shorts
Miami Chamber Agreement Reached
Musicians of the Miami Chamber Symphony ratified a new agreement in January and a Memorandum of Understanding has recently been signed with the orchestra. The details are:
- Term: February 1, 2002 to August 31, 2003
- AFM-EPF contribution reduced from 10% to 8%
- All wages changed to equal those in the current Local 655 Miscellaneous Symphonic Wage Scales
A new Master Agreement incorporating these changes should be completed and signed shortly, and it will be posted on the website. If you would like a hardcopy, please contact us.
04/01/02 Recording Rap
I want to thank everyone that took the time to attend the March 19th membership meeting. Because of the quorum and voting, I was able to receive my pay raise. I know how busy everyone is at this time of year and I appreciate all attending.
This past month I had meetings with AFTRA and SAG to introduce myself and to brainstorm ideas to strengthen our Union presence in the Commercial Industry. As I stated in the last newsletter, our Commercial Producers have formed a Miami Chapter of AMP. Rene Barge, who's heading our Chapter, will be doing a project in Spain this summer. Hopefully we'll get a meeting in before he leaves. As Rene is leaving the country, Steve Roitstein of Riot Music will be filling his Executive Board position.
04/01/02 Casual Corner
Bringing MPTF Money to the Table
When calling on potential sponsors for live music that’s free and open to the public, adjust your selling psychology. Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) request for proposals allow you to “bring money to the table.” Instead of hoping the client sees the value of live music and gives you the job, change your persuasive angle: inform the client that you know of a source of money that is available and may be used for their project. This incentive allows you to distinguish your musical package from all others in your client’s decision-making. They will look at you more as a partner, helping them to stretch their budget while serving the community. MPTF typically covers 40% of scale costs and in educational instances can contribute 50% of solely musical expenses.
04/01/02 Official Business
Bylaw Amendments Enacted 3/19/02
Below is the new language approved at the March General Membership Meeting:
- References to "Office Clerk" in Article IX Section 2 have been replaced with "Secretary-Treasurer or his/her designate."
- Article VII Section 6. Any officer or staff member engaged by the local shall be entitled to two weeks annual paid vacation. In their third and fourth years of service, they shall be entitled to three weeks annual paid vacation. In their fifth and following years of service, they shall be entitled to four weeks annual paid vacation. Vacation time not utilized in each calendar year shall expire on December 31 of such year.
- Article VII Section 5 (k) The Executive Board shall approve an Annual Budget in the fourth quarter preceding each fiscal year.
- Article VII Section 3(f) The Vice President’s salary shall be $22,100 per year, paid weekly.