Each year the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) recognizes the best and most inspiring work in labor communications and journalism. Among the winners were several AFM local submissions.

AFM Local 47 (Los Angeles) took a first place award for General Excellence—Print and Internet / Electronic Newsletter / Local unions for The Local 47 Beat 2014. Plus, Local 47’s website (afm47.org) was recognized in the Internet Awards / Best Design Internet / Local unions category.

The local also received a second place Writing Award—Print and Internet / Saul Miller Awards /Political Action / Local Unions for the story “Hollywood Seeks Sharper Teeth for Film and TV Tax Credit Program.” The article covered new legislation to beef up California’s existing tax incentive program to help stem runaway production and bring more scoring work to the state.

The article quoted musicians such as rank-and-file violinist Rafael Rishik who gave the Labor Caucus at the California Democratic State Convention in downtown Los Angeles a firsthand account of the problem. “For generations, some of the greatest musicians in the world have been drawn to California because of the motion picture and television industry,” he said. “Over the past few years, runaway film productions have been a big hit to our economy. This is especially hard for musicians because companies that take film tax credits increasingly score their films overseas, and we lose out on that work.”

Coverage of this important issue also included quotes from union officials. “Musicians represented by locals across the country are working together to change our industry” said AFM Organizing Director Paul Frank. “AFM members are uniting in order to win higher standards and grow the strength of our union.”

You can read the complete piece at: www.afm47.org/press/hollywood-seeks-sharper-teeth-for-film-and-tv-tax-credit-program/.

New York City AFM Local 802’s Allegro Magazine was awarded a second place in the General Excellence—Print and Internet / Print / Local Union Publications / 1,001-10,000.

And finally, our union’s publication, International Musician, received second place recognition under the category Writing Awards—Print and Internet / Best Profile / National / International Unions, for the story “New Orleans’ Musical Chameleon and Passionate Union Advocate” about Local 174-496 (New Orleans, LA) President Deacon John Moore.

The profile recognized a longstanding, selfless union advocate. “I choose to be president because I want to serve the music community. I think I can be a role model for younger musicians. I want to make a better workplace for all our musicians,” said Moore.

To read the complete story visit the website: internationalmusician.org/deacon-john-moore/.