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At 9 p.m. on Saturday, New York City Opera management rejected the final wage concession offered by Local 802. The company told the mediators and the unions' negotiating committees that all employees will be locked out of work starting today (Monday, Jan. 9).
A three-week mediation effort conducted by the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service centered on New York City Opera General Manager George Steel's plan to dismantle the esteemed 68-year-old professional company and replace it with ad-hoc freelance musicians and performers.
The proposals made to the unions would eliminate dozens of jobs and reduce the annual compensation of the remaining orchestra and singers from approximately $40,000 per year to $4,000: cuts totaling 90 percent.
By contrast, Steel's annual compensation of over $324,000 plus benefits would almost be equal to the entire compensation package offered by NYCO to the orchestra.
Read our press release here with all the info.
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How do you get a gig on Broadway? That eternal question was once again tackled at Local 802's annual Broadway Meet and Greet.
The event began several years ago as a means of reaching out to emerging performers in the theatre world and educating them about the union and the availability of union work. Broadway Rep Marisa Friedman spearheaded this year's effort, which boasted a record-breaking turnout of over 250 musicians.
The 2011 panel included contractors John Miller and Red Press, conductors Carmel Dean and Ethyl Will, saxophonist Jay Brandford, orchestrator Jonathan Tunick and copyist Alden Terry. It was moderated by Jan Mullen, co-chair of the Theatre Committee and violinist at "Phantom of the Opera." Drummer and music coordinator Howard Joines was also invited but couldn't attend this year; a statement of his was read out loud.
To read our coverage of this event in Allegro, click here. You don't want to miss these tips.
Also, the Musician Wages web site recently ran a story about one Local 802 member's path to becoming an associate conductor on Broadway. Click here to read that story.
As usual, we welcome your feedback! Click here to send us an e-mail.
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To commemorate the passing of former Local 802 president John Glasel (1930-2011), we will be hosting a service on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. at Local 802. A native New Yorker, John was a legendary jazz trumpet player who was also busy performing on Broadway and in the recording scene before starting a promising career as an advocate for union musicians. As many of you know, John's tenure as president transformed the state of our union. His rich legacy at Local 802 includes significant accomplishments: unionizing Off Broadway musicians, instituting our payroll service Legit 802, and the creation of a comprehensive organizing department. His dedication to Local 802 transformed the union into the proud democratic organization it is today. We hope that you will be able to attend John's service this coming Sunday and celebrate his legacy and commitment to musicians. Click here to read a tribute by Jack Gale in the latest issue of Allegro.
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Hearing services for musicians: www.EastSideHearing.com | |
Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here.
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here.
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Musicians: what if you could solve problem passages and technical challenges using a new technology that lets you see what to fix with your own eyes? You must try this to believe it! Click the ad below for more information and to find out about a special intro offer... | |
Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
| Musicians: do you have a legal concern? Click the link below to reach Local 802's lawyer Harvey S. Mars: | |
Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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Click the ad above for more details. Tell them you saw their ad in the Local 802 electronic newsletter! To advertise, click here. |
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To reach Local 802 by phone, call (212) 245-4802. For more information on our services and departments, see www.Local802afm.org
Paid ads in 802 NOTES support your union and keep your costs down. You can advertise here and reach thousands of your peers. E-mail Allegro@Local802afm.org for more information. |
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Local 802 AFM
322 West 48th St New York, NY 10036 (212) 245-4802
Mikael Elsila is the editor of Allegro magazine and the 802 NOTES electronic newsletter. He can be reached at: Allegro@Local802afm.org |
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DO YOU KNOW ABOUT LS-1 AND MUSIC SERVICE CONTRACTS?
DO YOU WANT TO EARN PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS ON ALL OF YOUR GIGS?
There's an easy contract that we want you to know about! Click here for more information. | |
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FREE DENTAL CLINIC!
Want your teeth to be their best? Local 802 is hosting dental clinics here at the union today (Monday, Jan. 9) and tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 10) from 9:30 to 4:30 each day. It's free, but you must apply ahead of time, and there are certain eligibility requirements. Services will include a dental exam, simple cleaning and bitewing x-rays. For more information or to apply, call (877) 303-6962. Space is limited. The clinic is being sponsored by MusiCares, Smile New York and Local 802. | |
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ARE YOU EXPERIENCED?
Do you live near Local 802 and are you over 60? If so, click here. The findings will help provide a better understanding of needs, identify gaps in services and help the Actors Fund organize and further develop resources and services for seniors in the entertainment and performing arts community. Local 802 members who are over 60 and who live in the target neighborhoods should click here right now to take the survey. Please pass along this survey with any musician you know over 60 who lives in these neighborhoods by clicking this button: | |
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KEEP NYCO AT LINCOLN CENTER!
Have you signed this petition yet? Click here now! | |
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NEED FINANCIAL AID? WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!
Are you facing eviction or a big medical bill that threatens to bankrupt you? Local 802's Emergency Relief Fund (through the Musicians' Assistance Program) may be able to help. The fund gives limited grants to musicians in need. To apply, contact the union's social worker Cindy Green by clicking here or calling (212) 245-4802, ext. 180. Cindy can also help you apply for other financial help from sources like the Actors' Fund and other relief organizations. | |
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COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL 802 MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Competitive prizes of $500 to $4,000 are available. Click here to apply now. | |
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Click the ad above for info. |
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FREE HEARING TESTS!
Each month, Local 802 offers a free hearing test with a real audiologist. We'll take a baseline measurement of your hearing and more. To find out the next date and to make a reservation, contact Robin Donach by phone only at (212) 245-4802, ext. 101.
For professional hearing help, see the ad from Dr. Ellen Finkelstein elsewhere on this page, or click here. | |
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JAZZ JAM!
There is a jazz jam on most Mondays at Local 802 (322 West 48th Street), from 7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call Joe Petrucelli at the Jazz Foundation of America at (212) 245-3999, ext. 10, or click here. | |
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ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH TAX?
As a musician, your employers and bandleaders are legally required to pay their fair share of your taxes. If you're paid cash for gigs, you're losing money -- possibly tens of thousands of per year. For more information, click here or call the Organizing Department at (212) 245-4802. | |
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OUT OF WORK?
If you are a Broadway musician and your show closes, can you apply for unemployment? Yes. While you are collecting unemployment, can you sub on other Broadway shows, teach lessons, and play other freelance gigs? Yes, but your unemployment check may be reduced. For a comprehensive look at musicians and unemployment insurance, click here. | |
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DO YOU HAVE MONEY WAITING FOR YOU?
Somtimes the union may have a check in your name, but no way to get it to you because your address is outdated. To see if there's money waiting for you, click here. | |
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Paid ads in 802 NOTES support your union and keep your costs down. You can advertise here and reach thousands of your peers. For more information, click here. | |
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Click the ad above for info. |
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Click the ad above for info. |
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Click the ad above for info. |
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