Organizing

A Union Win for Olney Theatre Musicians

October 5, 2015

After a six-month campaign, musicians at Olney Theatre in Maryland overwhelmingly voted to unionize in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Musicians are now working with AFM Local 161-710 (Washington, DC), preparing for their first collective bargaining agreement. The victory is an important first step in Local 161-710’s organizing plan.

Toledo ROPA Conference Brings in Local Labor Experts

October 5, 2015

The 31st annual Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) Conference convened last summer in Toledo, Ohio, at the Grand Plaza Hotel. The conference provided a terrific learning opportunity for the representatives of our 86 member orchestras from around the nation.

How to Encourage Union Membership

September 8, 2015

There are some myths and false claims for why people are afraid to join the union. Here’s how to deal with those people and how to encourage union membership.

Senza Sordino: Stalwart of Unity

September 2, 2015

Of all the tools that ICSOM makes available, none are more topical and historically significant than our quarterly newsletter, Senza Sordino.

The Best Defense Against “Right to Work”: Organize!

August 31, 2015

“Right to Work” can destroy the working people in any state the law is active, but the best defense against “Right to Work” is extremely simple: organize!

52-Week All Media Cycle Addition in Commercial Announcements Agreement

July 29, 2015

There’s a new addition to the AFM Commercial Announcements Agreement. At the end of negotiations of the Commercial Announcements Agreement, June 5, 2014, the American Federation of Musicians and the Joint Policy Committee (JPC) agreed to add a new 52-week cycle in the all media initial use cycle and re-use cycle.

How to Handle Professional Sideline Work

July 22, 2015

In recent years, there has been steady sideline work across the US and Canada, in towns and cities, large and small, for television and motion picture production…

New Use Department Has a Cubicle for You

July 21, 2015

It takes a special group of people to create an effective and productive New Use Department, and that includes you.

Protect the Product: Don’t Skip the “Red Tape” of Union Requirements

July 20, 2015

In the old days, we would refer to it as protecting the tape, but with new technology, protect the product seems more appropriate. No matter what the terminology, it is as important today as it ever was.

CDs Have Taken On a Life of Their Own

July 10, 2015

I am happy to report that we are receiving more CD jackets from signatory companies in a timely fashion. When I first began ordering and processing CDs from the numerous record labels, I did it mostly in-between “other things.” Since then, it has grown with a life of its own.