Member Feedback
I would like this email to be an “open” letter to the members of Local 655. If you are not already aware, on June 25, 2003, the 95th Convention of the AFM adopted emergency recommendation #8 which states that each individual musician who receives a distribution from the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund, or the Film Musician’s and Secondary Markets Fund, shall make a payment to the Federation based on his/her annual individual gross distribution from each fund. I also understand that the general membership of Local 655 along with all members of the AFM are being assessed an additional amount, to be sent to the Federation.
In general, I would have no problem with this. However, in my opinion, the real reason the Federation is in financial distress is because of the long standing practice of its’ members to accept non union/under scale employment which generates no work dues for the Local and no pension benefits for the musicians. I, for one, resent having to pay into three different entities, just because I filed union contracts, paid the work dues, and the pension! It’s like I’m being penalized for doing the right thing.
There are others in the Local who will find themselves in the same situation as myself, having to pay three times. Don’t misunderstand; it’s not the dollar amount that bothers me. It’s because of union members who never work any union jobs that the Federation finds itself in dire straits. Why do these members even bother to belong – and you know who you are!??! I’m sick and tired of hearing, “if I don’t do the (non union) gig, they’ll get somebody else”. My answer is “OK, let them!” I pay the same for groceries and gas as everybody else and I have ALWAYS insisted that the pension be paid and a contract be filed or “there ain’t no gig”. I would appreciate some feedback from Local 655 members on this subject.
Respectfully, Mike Lewis
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