802 Member Alert:

The Local 802 Executive Board has voted to put the nightclub 54 Below on its Unfair List effective May 8. Members are advised not to work for 54 Below from that day until further notice.

Why is 54 Below being put on the Unfair List? After numerous requests, 54 Below has refused to bargain with the union, claiming they are not the employer of musicians. 54 Below employs musicians as part of self-contained acts as well as musicians who the club employs directly to play for various showcases, open mikes and "late night" entertainment.

Local 802 has asked 54 Below to come to the table with no preconditions in order to come to an agreement that will be workable for both parties. It is the position of the Union that all musicians who play 54 Below must be treated fairly by being paid a fair wage and benefits. An agreement between Local 802 and 54 Below is the only viable way to assure that this happens.

Members who would like to join the picket line should call or email the organizing department to find out the schedule (212-245-4802 ext. 141, bmbaruch@local802afm.org).