Leonard DiCosimo for AFM International Executive Board
Recommendations and Resolutions of the 103rd AFM Convention
The 103rd AFM Convention will be held from June 20 - 23 in Ottawa, Canada. Delegates from affiliated AFM Locals in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada are invited to discuss and vote upon language to amend the bylaws of our union.
I am encouraging convention delegates to give their attention to the following recommendations and resolutions:
Recommendation 2 -
SECTION 9 increases the amount of Local Executive Board meeting from four to eight. It is necessary to hold them, not just call them. There is no requirement that the meetings are in-person and videoconferencing is a readily available and rather useful tool for these purposes.
SECTION 11(a).i. establishes minimal requirements for a social media presence. Free access is available on several platforms. There is the factor of the additional time required to maintain a site(s) for a local with no social media presence, but that may be considered de minimis.
NEW SUBSECTION (c) requires Locals to have a database of venues without benefit of a collective bargaining agreement. Any search engine on any given day may provide equal if not better information than a list maintained by a Local Officer.
NEW SUBSECTION (d) requires Locals to have a database of music education programs in its jurisdiction. Again, any search engine on any given day may provide equal if not better information than a list maintained by a Local Officer.
NEW SUBSECTION (e) While I support the intention, it is reasonable for any curriculum targeted for a geographically defined jurisdiction to be developed in partnership with the participating Local.
NEW SUBSECTION (f) This is an immediate expenditure that is not annually budgeted by several Locals. There is no further information regarding when and where these required meetings are to take place nor indication of coordination with Locals.
NEW SUBSECTION (i) Locals already spend 10% of its annually budgeted revenue for local labor organizing action.
NEW SUBSECTION (k) requires Locals to affiliate with its local central labor council or its state or provincial labor council. Local 4 is affiliated with our central labor council, our area labor federation and our state federation. Local 4 can afford it. Some Locals can't. This is another immediate expenditure that is not annually budgeted by several Locals.
SECTION 16 requires Locals to compensate its chief executive Officer and chief administrative Officer at the established minimum wage in their jurisdiction. Local 4 can afford it. Some Locals can't. This is yet another immediate expenditure that is not annually budgeted by several Locals.
SECTION 19 Each Local is exposed to the risk of Charter Revocation or Mandated Merger if it is decided that they do not comply with the mandates contained in this new language.
Collective bargaining agreements negotiated by Local 4 have provisions that offer a much more comprehensive system of due process for a member subject to the corporal punishment of losing their job. Locals fight hard for this on behalf of our members. Let's fight together to better protect Locals from the corporal punishment of losing their charters.
Look for the objective. Eliminate the subjective. Get the facts and get involved. Lift your voice. You are the UNION!
SECTION 9 increases the amount of Local Executive Board meeting from four to eight. It is necessary to hold them, not just call them. There is no requirement that the meetings are in-person and videoconferencing is a readily available and rather useful tool for these purposes.
SECTION 11(a).i. establishes minimal requirements for a social media presence. Free access is available on several platforms. There is the factor of the additional time required to maintain a site(s) for a local with no social media presence, but that may be considered de minimis.
NEW SUBSECTION (c) requires Locals to have a database of venues without benefit of a collective bargaining agreement. Any search engine on any given day may provide equal if not better information than a list maintained by a Local Officer.
NEW SUBSECTION (d) requires Locals to have a database of music education programs in its jurisdiction. Again, any search engine on any given day may provide equal if not better information than a list maintained by a Local Officer.
NEW SUBSECTION (e) While I support the intention, it is reasonable for any curriculum targeted for a geographically defined jurisdiction to be developed in partnership with the participating Local.
NEW SUBSECTION (f) This is an immediate expenditure that is not annually budgeted by several Locals. There is no further information regarding when and where these required meetings are to take place nor indication of coordination with Locals.
NEW SUBSECTION (i) Locals already spend 10% of its annually budgeted revenue for local labor organizing action.
NEW SUBSECTION (k) requires Locals to affiliate with its local central labor council or its state or provincial labor council. Local 4 is affiliated with our central labor council, our area labor federation and our state federation. Local 4 can afford it. Some Locals can't. This is another immediate expenditure that is not annually budgeted by several Locals.
SECTION 16 requires Locals to compensate its chief executive Officer and chief administrative Officer at the established minimum wage in their jurisdiction. Local 4 can afford it. Some Locals can't. This is yet another immediate expenditure that is not annually budgeted by several Locals.
SECTION 19 Each Local is exposed to the risk of Charter Revocation or Mandated Merger if it is decided that they do not comply with the mandates contained in this new language.
Collective bargaining agreements negotiated by Local 4 have provisions that offer a much more comprehensive system of due process for a member subject to the corporal punishment of losing their job. Locals fight hard for this on behalf of our members. Let's fight together to better protect Locals from the corporal punishment of losing their charters.
Look for the objective. Eliminate the subjective. Get the facts and get involved. Lift your voice. You are the UNION!
On Euclid Avenue with the Service Employees International Union in support of their effort to organize the security workers at Playhouse Square Foundation.
Recommendation 1 - [old language] New Language
BE IT RESOLVED, To amend Article 5, Section 44, effective January 1, 2027, as follows:
SECTION 44(a). Each Local shall pay to the AFM Per Capita Dues at the rate of [$66] $86 per annum for each Regular, Student of Youth member and [$50] $65 per annum for each Life member in good standing with the Local.
SECTION 44 (b). The Local shall pay to AFM Per Capita Dues at the reduced rate of [$44] $59 per annum for each Inactive Life Member in good standing with the Local.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, To amend Article 20, Section 11, as follows:
SECTION 11. New Language
With additional funding approved by the 103rd AFM International Convention, the Federation shall:
1. Add resources to the Organizing Services Department;
2. Add resources to the Freelance Services and Membership Development Department;
3. Add resources to the Communications Department;
4. Add resources to the Federation's government relations offices in US and Canada;
5. Develop and deploy, under the auspices of the Education Services Department, a comprehensive AFM Local Union Services Department, a comprehensive AFM Local Union Leadership training program;
6. Develop and deploy a unified Federation-wide master organizing plan, directed and coordinated by the Organizing Services Department and administered regionally with Local Union participation, with emphasis on the industry sectors with the least union density (currently local freelance/gigging.indie, electronic media, nd theatrical and non-theatrical touring);
7. Develop and deploy a communications program and strategy of unified, coordinated branding and messaging in support of the master organizing plan.
Submitted by the International Executive Board
The resolution calls for an automatic increase in annual membership dues of $20 for each Regular, Student and Youth member, and $15 for each Life and Inactive Life member. Then there is explanation of what the federation will do with the additional revenue.
The last per capita increase was at the 99th AFM Convention in 2013. It was a part of a package that included increases to work dues and participation by several sectors of our Union. It raised approximately $1.2 million annually at that time.
Here is the Substitute Recommendation from the Joint Law and Finance Committee at the 99th AFM Convention in 2013:
RECOMMENDATION No. 1 Law & Finance [old language] New Language
RESOLVED, To amend Article 5, Sections 47(a) and (b), as follow, to become effective on January 1, 2014:
SECTION 47(a). Each Local shall pay to the AFM Per Capita Dues at the rate of [$54]$66 per annum for each Regular, Student and Youth member and [$38]$50 per annum for each Life member in good standing with the Local.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
To relocate the chart in Article 9, Section 40(a), to Article 36 9, Section 32(b), and to amend it as follows:
Employment in the U.S. under the Theatrical Motion Picture Agreement:
[2.35] 2.60% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[2.10] 2.35% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
Employment in the U.S. under the TV Videotape Agreement:
[1.75] 2% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[1.50] 1.75% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
Earnings under the Radio and Television Commercial Announcement Agreement except for earnings for original sessions:
[1.75] 2% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[1.50] 1.75% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
All other employment under Federation-negotiated Electronic Media Agreements
[1.50] 1.75% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[1.25] 1.50% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That effective on January 1, 2014, each Local shall automatically increase its rate(s) of work dues for employment under Federation-negotiated Electronic Media Agreements by .25 percent (1/4%).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, To amend Article 9, Sections 32(c)i. and ii. as follow:
SECTION 32(c)
i. For employment under Pamphlet B—Touring Theatrical Musicals, or for employment under any other AFM-negotiated Agreement(s) or “Pamphlets” covering touring employment in which the members have voted to participate in the Theater Defense Fund in accordance with Article 6, Section 8(b)(ii), Work Dues shall be [3½] 3-3/4% of scale wages and shall be payable to the AFM. Of this amount, ½% shall be paid into the Theater Defense Fund.
ii. For any other employment under AFM-negotiated Agreements and “Pamphlets” covering touring employment, Work Dues shall be 3-1/4% of scale wages and shall be payable to the AFM.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, To delete Article 9, Section 32(d) in its entirety, and replace it with Article 9, Section 40(b), to be renumbered as Section 32(d), and to amend it as follows:
SECTION 32(d).
[40(b). With the exception of (1) motion picture and television soundtrack albums, (2) Industrial Promotional Agreement Use of Broadway Cast Album tracks (3) new uses covered by the Federation’s Symphony, Opera, Ballet Audio-Visual Agreement, and (4) new uses covered by the Federation’s Radio and Television Commercial Announcements Agreement for product originally recorded under that Agreement, and (5) new uses of product for which the work was performed in Canada, ] Work Dues for earnings received from the use of a music product for a purpose in electronic media other than that for which it was originally produced (commonly known as “new use,” “clip use,” etc.) shall be 15% of the monies received by the musician and shall be payable to the Federation. From this amount, 2% of the monies received by the musician shall be due and payable by the Federation to the Local where the original services were rendered. [For new uses of product for which the work was performed in Canada, Work Dues shall remain as set forth in Section 32(d) of this Article.]
The 2013 financial package raised the necessary funds required for the federation by demonstrating a certain sense of shared sacrifice. There were alternative revenue streams other than per capita dues. The testimony of convention delegates, as well as more information from the federation, will assist the analysis and discussion in the joint law and finance committee. I am looking forward to all of it.
BE IT RESOLVED, To amend Article 5, Section 44, effective January 1, 2027, as follows:
SECTION 44(a). Each Local shall pay to the AFM Per Capita Dues at the rate of [$66] $86 per annum for each Regular, Student of Youth member and [$50] $65 per annum for each Life member in good standing with the Local.
SECTION 44 (b). The Local shall pay to AFM Per Capita Dues at the reduced rate of [$44] $59 per annum for each Inactive Life Member in good standing with the Local.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, To amend Article 20, Section 11, as follows:
SECTION 11. New Language
With additional funding approved by the 103rd AFM International Convention, the Federation shall:
1. Add resources to the Organizing Services Department;
2. Add resources to the Freelance Services and Membership Development Department;
3. Add resources to the Communications Department;
4. Add resources to the Federation's government relations offices in US and Canada;
5. Develop and deploy, under the auspices of the Education Services Department, a comprehensive AFM Local Union Services Department, a comprehensive AFM Local Union Leadership training program;
6. Develop and deploy a unified Federation-wide master organizing plan, directed and coordinated by the Organizing Services Department and administered regionally with Local Union participation, with emphasis on the industry sectors with the least union density (currently local freelance/gigging.indie, electronic media, nd theatrical and non-theatrical touring);
7. Develop and deploy a communications program and strategy of unified, coordinated branding and messaging in support of the master organizing plan.
Submitted by the International Executive Board
The resolution calls for an automatic increase in annual membership dues of $20 for each Regular, Student and Youth member, and $15 for each Life and Inactive Life member. Then there is explanation of what the federation will do with the additional revenue.
The last per capita increase was at the 99th AFM Convention in 2013. It was a part of a package that included increases to work dues and participation by several sectors of our Union. It raised approximately $1.2 million annually at that time.
Here is the Substitute Recommendation from the Joint Law and Finance Committee at the 99th AFM Convention in 2013:
RECOMMENDATION No. 1 Law & Finance [old language] New Language
RESOLVED, To amend Article 5, Sections 47(a) and (b), as follow, to become effective on January 1, 2014:
SECTION 47(a). Each Local shall pay to the AFM Per Capita Dues at the rate of [$54]$66 per annum for each Regular, Student and Youth member and [$38]$50 per annum for each Life member in good standing with the Local.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
To relocate the chart in Article 9, Section 40(a), to Article 36 9, Section 32(b), and to amend it as follows:
Employment in the U.S. under the Theatrical Motion Picture Agreement:
[2.35] 2.60% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[2.10] 2.35% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
Employment in the U.S. under the TV Videotape Agreement:
[1.75] 2% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[1.50] 1.75% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
Earnings under the Radio and Television Commercial Announcement Agreement except for earnings for original sessions:
[1.75] 2% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[1.50] 1.75% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
All other employment under Federation-negotiated Electronic Media Agreements
[1.50] 1.75% minimum work dues as a % of scale wages
[1.25] 1.50% federation work dues as a % of scale wages
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That effective on January 1, 2014, each Local shall automatically increase its rate(s) of work dues for employment under Federation-negotiated Electronic Media Agreements by .25 percent (1/4%).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, To amend Article 9, Sections 32(c)i. and ii. as follow:
SECTION 32(c)
i. For employment under Pamphlet B—Touring Theatrical Musicals, or for employment under any other AFM-negotiated Agreement(s) or “Pamphlets” covering touring employment in which the members have voted to participate in the Theater Defense Fund in accordance with Article 6, Section 8(b)(ii), Work Dues shall be [3½] 3-3/4% of scale wages and shall be payable to the AFM. Of this amount, ½% shall be paid into the Theater Defense Fund.
ii. For any other employment under AFM-negotiated Agreements and “Pamphlets” covering touring employment, Work Dues shall be 3-1/4% of scale wages and shall be payable to the AFM.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, To delete Article 9, Section 32(d) in its entirety, and replace it with Article 9, Section 40(b), to be renumbered as Section 32(d), and to amend it as follows:
SECTION 32(d).
[40(b). With the exception of (1) motion picture and television soundtrack albums, (2) Industrial Promotional Agreement Use of Broadway Cast Album tracks (3) new uses covered by the Federation’s Symphony, Opera, Ballet Audio-Visual Agreement, and (4) new uses covered by the Federation’s Radio and Television Commercial Announcements Agreement for product originally recorded under that Agreement, and (5) new uses of product for which the work was performed in Canada, ] Work Dues for earnings received from the use of a music product for a purpose in electronic media other than that for which it was originally produced (commonly known as “new use,” “clip use,” etc.) shall be 15% of the monies received by the musician and shall be payable to the Federation. From this amount, 2% of the monies received by the musician shall be due and payable by the Federation to the Local where the original services were rendered. [For new uses of product for which the work was performed in Canada, Work Dues shall remain as set forth in Section 32(d) of this Article.]
The 2013 financial package raised the necessary funds required for the federation by demonstrating a certain sense of shared sacrifice. There were alternative revenue streams other than per capita dues. The testimony of convention delegates, as well as more information from the federation, will assist the analysis and discussion in the joint law and finance committee. I am looking forward to all of it.
Resolution 21
RESOLVED, that a New Section be added to Article 6:
NEW SECTION. An operating budget of $50,000 annually shall be allocated to a program whose sole purpose is to provide funding to assist Locals with the expense of sending Delegate(s) to the annual meeting(s) of the national or international conference(s) with which the Local is affiliated. The IEB shall develop criteria for qualifying such funding and a process by which Locals can apply.
Submitted by
Local 4
Local 103
Terry Jares, Local 37
Cynthia Baker, Local 586
Dan Puccio, Local 586
Nate Omdal, Local 76 - 493
Karen Fisher, Local 802
I presented two drafts of a resolution to address financial assistance for Locals to send a Delegate to annual conferences to the Bylaws Committee of the Midwestern Conference of AFM Locals. Further discussion with conference leadership and small local officers led to the current resolution language.
The absence of locals at annual conferences is a chronic condition and a consistent topic of discussion at these gatherings. This resolution will assist those locals who qualify and provide insight if additional attention is necessary for others. The Local 4 Executive Board was unanimously in favor, and we appreciate the solidarity of the undersigned.
Join us in support of this resolution. Sometimes you can't afford not to spend the money.
RESOLVED, that a New Section be added to Article 6:
NEW SECTION. An operating budget of $50,000 annually shall be allocated to a program whose sole purpose is to provide funding to assist Locals with the expense of sending Delegate(s) to the annual meeting(s) of the national or international conference(s) with which the Local is affiliated. The IEB shall develop criteria for qualifying such funding and a process by which Locals can apply.
Submitted by
Local 4
Local 103
Terry Jares, Local 37
Cynthia Baker, Local 586
Dan Puccio, Local 586
Nate Omdal, Local 76 - 493
Karen Fisher, Local 802
I presented two drafts of a resolution to address financial assistance for Locals to send a Delegate to annual conferences to the Bylaws Committee of the Midwestern Conference of AFM Locals. Further discussion with conference leadership and small local officers led to the current resolution language.
The absence of locals at annual conferences is a chronic condition and a consistent topic of discussion at these gatherings. This resolution will assist those locals who qualify and provide insight if additional attention is necessary for others. The Local 4 Executive Board was unanimously in favor, and we appreciate the solidarity of the undersigned.
Join us in support of this resolution. Sometimes you can't afford not to spend the money.
Resolution 17, submitted by Edmund Velasco, Local 7; Terry Jares, Local 37; John Van Voris, Local 14; and Cynthia Baker and Daniel Puccio, Local 586, addresses federation record keeping practices and recommends a path to making reporting a simpler and modern task.
Resolution 18, submitted by Local 161-710; Local 40-543; Local 9-535; Local 77-274; the Southern Conference and the Eastern Conference, requires the federation to replace InTune or update it.
Resolution 19, submitted by Kale Cummings, Local 6; Sharon Montgomery, Local 65-699; Tammy Noreyko and Edmund Velasco, Local 7, establishes a task force to assess InTune along with other similar systems to draft a comprehensive report for the IEB to review and move forward.
I appreciate and support the direction of all three resolutions.
A lot of locals use InTune. A lot of locals like InTune. We want to like it better.
Let's make it a point at this convention to give proper attention to the federation database system.
Resolution 18, submitted by Local 161-710; Local 40-543; Local 9-535; Local 77-274; the Southern Conference and the Eastern Conference, requires the federation to replace InTune or update it.
Resolution 19, submitted by Kale Cummings, Local 6; Sharon Montgomery, Local 65-699; Tammy Noreyko and Edmund Velasco, Local 7, establishes a task force to assess InTune along with other similar systems to draft a comprehensive report for the IEB to review and move forward.
I appreciate and support the direction of all three resolutions.
A lot of locals use InTune. A lot of locals like InTune. We want to like it better.
Let's make it a point at this convention to give proper attention to the federation database system.
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