President's Report

Are You The Problem or Part Of The Solution ? Why We Need You To Pay Attention To The Newsletter !

…With the recent problems regarding the Atlanta Ballet strike and musicians from South Florida being recruited, as well as our troubles with the Florida Grand Opera, I must stress the importance of paying attention to what is going on around you, and to effects of your actions on your fellow musicians…

…The Florida Grand Opera (FGO) has historically always utilized the services of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra (FPO) or, in the case of a scheduling conflict, utilized members of Local 655 under a local contract. Recently, when we heard about the FGO assembling an orchestra of non-FPO musicians, we contacted them, but the FGO refused to enter into a contract, and consequently we proceeded to meet with the musicians in an attempt to have them demand a contract. That date in October was canceled due to the hurricane that suddenly blew through town, our interference, or a combination of both…

…Not knowing for sure when the FGO planned to reschedule, we put a prominent "WARNING" in next issue of the newsletter. Despite this "WARNING", a few members of Local 655 performed the service. When contacted by us, none had remembered seeing the "WARNING"…

…If we are to continue making a difference, we need your help, especially when it's a situation we have targeted for action. We need to work together to make a difference in our workplace…

…An appropriate quote I read recently: "In Germany, they first came for the Communists and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me - and by that time no one was left to speak up."

…Please pay attention to the newsletter, it's our primary means of communicating with you in our efforts to help improve the working conditions for musicians in South Florida …

Palm Beach Opera

…I am very proud to announce that the CBA with the Palm Beach Opera has been signed, sealed and delivered. It was a long eighteen months of hard work, but the fruits of our combined labors have produced a document that will service that orchestra well into the future. Congratulations to all…

PTG

…We continue our negotiations with the major producer of Broadway shows in South Florida. While some progress has been made, quite a bit of work remains. We'll keep you posted…

In Memoriam - Mike Selker

…While the passing of fellow musicians is something we must deal with at the Local, it was most difficult on January 5 when we lost Myron "Mike" Selker. As most of you know, Mike was a fixture at Local 655, having worked here for 11 years. Always quick with a smile, ever willing and helpful with anything that needed done. He will be missed by all that knew him. Our deepest sympathy to his family and our thanks to all of you that have helped his family through this most trying time. Keep playing your song Mike…

I'll stay in touch; you do the same…

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