I. CLARIFICATION OF TV/VIDEO NEGOTIATIONS
II. TEAMSTER’S COMPOSER UNION INFORMATIONAL MEETING
III. MORE ON RESOLUTION THREE FROM THE LAST MEETING
IV. NOT RECEIVING OUR MAILING?
V. HONOLULU BANKRUPTCY
VI. COMMENTS
VII. EVENTS AND CONCERTS

=================

I. CLARIFICATION OF TV/VIDEO NEGOTIATIONS, AYLING A NO-SHOW

In our first section last time, we listed those who we contended had
actually attended the negotiations.

The list was actually those who were on the security list and expected
to attend.

As the comment below from President Lee will make clear, while RMA
International President Phil Alying was on the list to attend, he never
showed, then sent out the email attacking the conduct of the live TV/
VIdeo negotiations.

Also we, misspelled the name of Mary Landolfi with Mary Gandolfi
(Perhaps it was to many episodes of the Sopranos.) We sincerely
apologize to Ms. Landolfi for the mistake.

THE COMMITTEE

Below is AFM President Tom Lee’s email to us:

I have just one clarification on the TV/Videotape negotiation RMA
debacle. Phil Ayling notified me that he was the RMA rank and file
and would be coming to the negotiation. I placed his name on the
security list under that assumption. The fact is that he didn’t show
up. Instead, he used the RMA newsletter to blast me with his usual
smear stuff.

Also, you have Mary Gandolfi as attending the negotiation.
It is Landolfi–not Gandolfi.

=================

II. TEAMSTER’S COMPOSER UNION INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Last Monday night there was an amazingly well attended meeting (in
the hundreds) to talk about the possibility of a composers union
through the Teamsters.

All the ideas brought up were noble, logical ideas, that no composer
could disagree with, in a perfect world at least.

At the beginning of the meeting the teamster representative asked
if there were any press and if so that they leave, since they said they
wanted people to be able to speak freely.

Even though we are not press as such, we want to honor that, so we’ll
just give you the website again and you can check it out yourself.

If you attended the meeting and have comments or thoughts you’d like
to share we’ll be happy to share them on the blog, especially since there
was very little said at the meeting by the organizers that isn’t found on their
website.

http://theamcl.org

We wish them the very best of luck!

We will note however, that there were a large number of non-
composer players in attendance as well as players conference
organizers and even Local 47 officers.

Those included:
Phil Ayling: International RMA President
Jenny Hansen - RMA Board
Marc Sazar: RMA Vice-President and PMG Official
Andy Malloy: President and/or officer - PMG

The Secretary of Local 47, (non-composer) Leslie Lashinsky, was in
attendance as well. When the host asked if there were any employees
of labor unions present, she remained silent.

While we certainly think the AFM should have been able to hear what
was said, we would expect a Local officer, whomever it is, to be honest
enough to fess up when asked directly to identify themselves. She didn’t.

If it turns out that the RMA has a direct role in this venture, to, perhaps, put
a requirement on the new composer union contract to use only RMA members
or only a certain contractor or two, we will fight that vehemently from inside
and outside the group. There are 1000’s of players in town who are tired of
being shut out, and they deserve a share of of whatever work might be created.

THE COMMITTEE

========================

III. MORE ON RESOLUTION THREE FROM THE LAST MEETING

BACKGROUND:
As you will know if you regularly read our offerings, at the last Local 47
general membership meeting there were three resolutions to vote on.
The last resolution concerned where potential candidates can collect
signatures, namely, the resolution bans any collection of signatures on
the local’s property. There was so much disagreement and confusion
that the resolution was sent back to the legislative committee.

The resolution was submitted by Member Gary Lasley.

A very resourceful member did some digging and shared it with us.

We thank the member for their time and effort, we need more members
so involved!

COMMENT ON RESOLUTION THREE

I believe Gary Lasley said the purpose of Resolution #3 was to adhere to
or comply with federal law. Mr Lasley, I couldn’t agree more. Let’s adhere
to and comply with federal law.

Look under the Campaign Guideline Checklist at:
http://tinyurl.com/y9s4glt.

One of the guidlines is:
“Advise candidates and current officers about the prohibition against the
use of union and employer funds (including cash, facilities, equipment,
supplies, and campaigning on time paid for by the union or employer)
to support any person’s candidacy in a UNION OFFICER ELECTION.”

Yes, a prohibition against the use of union or employer funds; not the
use of facilities by the fact of a union member walking into the building
and asking a fellow member to sign a petition. No where under the federal
guidelines is the premises, the use of union property or petitioning
mentioned.

Resolution #3 tries to put a “spin” on the law by twisting the intent.
Petitioning has nothing to do with the intent of federal law governing
union elections; the prohibition is about the misappropriation of funds.

Even though this is not the main focus, and just to show how misguided
and prejudiced Resolution #3 is, the resolution states:

“FURTHER, THE COLLECTION OF SIGNATURES ON PETITIONS ON LOCAL
47 PREMISES IS PROHIBITED”

The Merriam-Webster defines ‘facility’ and ‘premises’ as significantly different.:
facility: b : something (as a hospital) that is built, installed, or established
to serve a particular purpose

premise: a : a tract of land with the buildings thereon b : a building or
part of a building usually with its appurtenances (as grounds)

No where have I found any reference to union members campaigning on union
property facilities or premises unless it involves the use of union funds or
employer funds. The prohibition applies to the use of union or employer funds
only. No where have I found any reference to petitioning on union property in
the US Dept of Labor - Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS) -
Conducting Local Union Officer Elections. However, much is said regarding
the incumbents use of union funds e.g. union officers…….may not campaign
on time paid for by the union. In other words, union officers (incumbents) are
barred from campaigning while they are on the clock.

http://www.dol.gov/olms/regs/compliance/localelec/localelec.htm#ch1

CAMPAIGN RESTRICTIONS

“Federal law prohibits the use of any union or employer funds to promote
the candidacy of any person in a union officer election. This prohibition
applies to cash, facilities, equipment, vehicles, office supplies, etc., of
Factory Workers Local 888 and any other union, and of employers whether
or not they employ Local 888 members. Union officers and employees may
not campaign on time paid for by the union.”

Here again, it is a prohibition against the use of union or employer funds.
Petitioning on union property has nothing to do with adhering to, or complying
with federal law unless union or employer funds are being used to do it.

Resolution #3 has no business being in Local 47 by-laws. Resolution #3
is actually a violation of federal law.

For those who are voracious readers and researchers, here is the link for more
election information at the DOL:
http://tinyurl.com/yasovlp

=================

IV. NOT RECEIVING OUR MAILING?

Well, obviously YOU are, but if you run across anyone who says they’ve
not received our mailing in the last few months, it’s not because they
aren’t being sent.

There has been a concerted effort to get our mailings blocked on
particular services by lodging complaints. We’re addressing the
problem and hope to get it resolved soon.

What must whomever is working so hard to stop the COMMITTEE be so
afraid of? It could be any of a wide number of folks inside and outside the
Local. Or perhaps a joint effort.

If you do come across someone who no longer receives our mailings
when they didn’t remove themselves, please direct them to our website,
www.responsible47.com.

We’ve gotten many of the blockages removed, but we’re still working on others.

Thanks

THE COMMITTEE

====================

V. HONOLULU BANKRUPTCY

The Honolulu Symphony filed for bankruptcy protection, according to
people familiar with the situation.
The 109-year-old symphony, which bills itself as the oldest American
orchestra west of the Rockies, said it will cancel all of its November and
December concerts and made no guarantees that the rest of its 2009-10
season would go on.

“We cannot spend money we do not have, “said Majken Mechling, the
symphony’s executive director. “We cannot continue with business as usual.”
The symphony is just the latest in a string of high-profile bankruptcies
to hit the local economy.

Over the past 18 months, the state’s largest phone company, Hawaiian
Telcom Inc., local retailer Hilo Hattie and Hawaii Medical Center have
filed for bankruptcy reorganization.

Mechling said the symphony has accumulated a debt of more than $1
million and has struggled in recent years to meet its $4.1 million-a-year
payroll.

If the symphony resumes its 2009-10 season next year, it will be a scaled-
down version. Mechling said the symphony plans to reduce its payroll
expenses by half, which can be achieved through a combination of job
cuts and fewer concerts.

In the worst case, up to half of the symphony’s musicians could be laid off.

Mechling said that all but six of the symphony’s 22 administrative staff
have been laid off in recent days.

“What we do know is we have to reduce the payroll and the payroll has
to be reduced substantially,” she said.

The bankruptcy, which likely will be filed next week, caps a tumultuous
two years for the symphony and its employees.

Musicians went several months this year without regular paychecks,
resulting in high turnover.

The symphony’s 84 full-time and part-time musicians later agreed
to a 15 percent pay cut in September for the current season.

Steve Dinion, chairman of the musicians orchestra committee, said
the musicians were devastated by yesterday’s announcement.

Dinion, a timpanist in the symphony, said musicians have continued
to perform for the symphony during the past two years despite going
“months and months without paychecks.”

He added that about half of the symphony’s musicians were notified
yesterday that their health insurance coverage would be terminated by HMSA.

“We’re in shock that this is happening,” Dinion said. “We think canceling
concerts does a disservice to the community and … the symphony’s
loyal subscribers.”

Founded in 1900, the Honolulu Symphony is one of the largest performing
arts organizations in Hawaii.

Promotional material on its Web site boasts that it has endured “two World
Wars, the Great Depression, financial crises, and changing musical and
cultural fashions.”

In past financial crises, the symphony has received last-minute donations
from wealthy local business people, but during the current recession
those gifts have been few.

Mechling said the symphony has not been economically sustainable for
the past 10 years because of high operating costs. And while big donors
in the past helped cover the costs, it wasn’t always enough, she said.

“We’ve had angel donors that have come to the rescue but they’ve never
totally rescued us,” Mechling said. “They just put a Band-Aid on this big
gaping hole and people perceive that it’s being rescued.”

The Honolulu Symphony joins a host of Mainland symphonies - including
those in San Antonio, Nashville, Colorado Springs, San Diego and Oakland
- that have filed for bankruptcy during the past two decades.

Some, like Oakland and San Diego, filed for bankruptcy liquidation but
were resurrected years later thanks to an economic rebound and the
largesse of wealthy benefactors.

Symphony officials said they have gotten a lot of calls in recent days when
reports of a looming bankruptcy hit the news.

There have been few refund requests and donors have been supportive,
Mechling said.

“The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra has achieved a legacy that is priceless
and one that can be conceivably rekindled with the combined willingness
of community, board and musicians,” said Peter Shaindlin, the symphony’s
chairman.

==========================

VI. COMMENTS

The comments below and elsewhere in this mailing represent the
typically uncensored views of the readers and not necessarily those
of the COMMITTEE. In the faith that freedom of expression allows
for the birth and ascendancy of the most beneficial ideas, all sentiments
expressed are welcome, subject to the bounds of good taste and
decorum. If you disagree with an opinion expressed by any contributor,
we encourage you to rebut it here.

—————————-

FEATURED COMMENT OF THE WEEK

LA Times today wrote about this Teamster affiliation. The Teamsters
have more bargaining power than the AFM.

Gee, I guess everybody knows by now Local 47 does not champion
union labor. These are the unintended consequences of our Executive
Board’s decision to build our rehearsal rooms and remodel our
auditorium using virtually all non- union labor. Why on earth would
the composers and lyricists even think of joining such an organization
when the Teamsters are notorious for solidarity?! It was the Teamsters
that picketed with Local 47 when the Rocket’s came to the Universal
Amphitheater with canned music and they would not deliver the candy
bars.

This is what our Executive Board has done to us. This leaves “waiting in
the wings” the PMG by design and support of our union leadership to
dismantle the AFM on the west coast. The Teamsters would gain a powerful
presence in the “above the line” entertainment unions. Even our union
paper has reported on meetings between Pres. Vince Tombetta and the
Teamsters.

——————————–

I just heard about about AFM approving a no back end to the
Vancouver Canada folks - great - LA musicians thrown under the
bus again and now another city is going to get work from LA
based composers needing a place to record

WTF

[If the powers that be won't allow such a deal to be used here,
(HELLO LOCAL 47 and RMA), then the work will leave till we get
with the program. That cannot be a big surprise. The AFM has
obviously figured out what it will take to get some of the work
that had already left back. If you want that work here, and we
should damn well want it, you're going to have to tell the RMA
to take a hike, butt out and let people work.]

——————————–

COMMENTS ON RUNAWAY SCORING - one possible solution.

here it is in a nutshell - long but way overdue.

The Runaway scoring mess we are in is because of many
reasons and talking about past history doesn’t solve anything
but this may enlighten and empower some of you to do
something.

Sessions done out of town have been going on for years
since actually “Star Wars” - but now with our technology
you can record anywhere……anywhere.

Here’s ONE way we could have stopped Runaway scoring
in it’s tracks. LOOK OUT. This is gonna piss off the composers….
but hey - I’m even MORE pissed off. Bottom line - everyone
has the right to seek work and make money…….as do I.

“Die Hard with a Vengeance” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus” -
1995 scored in Seattle by Michael Kamen - god rest his soul.

A message was sent you can record out of town in USA- or
anywhere, off AFM contract and get away with it. Salt Lake
City was dabbling in it but the quality was not there. If I was
the head of the AFM at the time - I would have taken drastic
measures. The AFM should have fined Kamen 50K and threw
him out of the union. A message would have been sent by the
AFM - if you are a member you insist on AFM players to complete
scores - period. AFM should have also REMOVED his AFM pension
and Secondary Market fund payments. How powerful would
have that been?. AFM had - has - no backbone so nothing was
done - now we have an occasional threat or fine catching someone
else here in LA doing a dark date.

AFM and RMA have no real solutions to solve loss of work and
runaway scoring - look at the two major Hollywood recording
studios closings last year and the state we are in here in Los
Angeles. The ONLY good news is that producers are still making
movie product. The bad news it barely involves Los Angeles and
the scoring community. The AFM freelance musicians have been
left out of the curb, thrown under the bus, left for dead, left to
watch our precious scoring jobs to be outsourced around the
globe. Wanna see Seattle, London, Prague, Bratislava, Sofia all
dry up as places to record scores?……take drastic measures AFM
heads - Tom Lee, Sam Folio and the AFM board. I’m sick of hearing
about composers hands being tied and they were forced to record
somewhere else - “oh pity”. Well, the composers are still working
while LA freelance musicians are NOT.

Solution - Every composer that is in the AFM and is forced to fly
out of town to record gets his AFM pension dissolved, his Secondary
markets fund money revoked, and he or she receives a 50K fine
from AFM that is legally enforced - yes Mr. Louis Levy (lawyer
who does nothing for local 47 and the AFM), you’re actually
going to have to work for your money……and then the composers
are expelled from the union till he or she pays the fine - put a damn
lien on their house - happens all the time. Also, composers should
also have their Motion Picture insurance removed as well. And all this
should be made public for all to see.

Now I know this solution is not going to happen, ever……. because
somehow even though the composers belong to the AFM and the
RMA they still get their score completed somewhere, somehow.
I hear this all the time - “they still have a job to do and there’s
nothing we can do because they are employers”…..BS…..WTF.

All this being said most composers would probably quit the AFM
completely before any of this went down or the producers would
just go to composers that live abroad or younger composers who
have no affiliation at all with any union period.

——————————–

THE COMMITTEE’S perspective and voice are very necessary. Thank you!

——————————–

Hi Bad Guys,

Do you happen to know which statute Gary Lasley was referring
to? I can’t seem to find it.

[Gary Lasley was referring to the LMRDA of 1959. The
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959.]

THE MEMBER THEN RESPONDED WITH THIS ADDITIONAL COMMENT:

Resolution #3 has nothing to do with adhering to federal law.
The LMRDA of 1959 says nothing about barring petitioning on
union premises or facilities.

Gary Lasley is wrong.

Resolution #3 is a violation of first amendment rights. The Labor-
Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 can be found at:
http://mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
http://www.dol.gov/olms/regs/compliance/ElecOfficer/elecofficer.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Management_Reporting_and_Disclosure_Act

=========================

VII. CONCERTS AND EVENTS

——————————–

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Vibrato Grill
2930 Beverly Glen Circle
Bel Air, CA 90077
Band members are:
Saxophones: Bob Shepard, Keith Fiddmont, Brian Scanlon, Bob Mintzer, Adam Schroeder
Trombones: Ed Neumeister, Bob McChesney, Vikram Devasthali, Bill Reichenbach
Trumpets: John Daversa, Walt Fowler, Dan Fornero, Willie Murrilo
Drums: Peter Erskine
Piano: John Beasley
Bass: Edwin Livingston
For more information please contact:
Phone: (310) 474-9400
Web: www.vibratogrilljazz.com

——————————–

11/30/09

Barry invited you to “World Tour: Music by Socher
Sallinen & Tchaikovsky” on Monday, November 30 at 8:00pm.

Event: World Tour: Music by Socher Sallinen & Tchaikovsky
“30th Anniversary Season Concert 2″
What: Concert
Start Time: Monday, November 30 at 8:00pm
End Time: Monday, November 30 at 10:15pm
Where: Neighborhood Church

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://tinyurl.com/ygejyru

Thanks,
The Facebook Team

——————————–

12/2/09

Relax during your lunch hour with live music.
Light lunch created by ANGELA’S BISTRO available
for $6 after concert.

LOCATION:The Chapel at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GLENDALE
209 N. Louise St. (at Wilson)
Glendale CA 91206
818 242 2113
Map & venue info http://www.fbcglendale.net
More info email teena.frazier@fbcglendale.net

DECEMBER 2, 2009
RECITAL featuring
Adriana Zoppo - viola d’amore
performing ATTILIO ARIOSTI
and
Three Romances Op. 94 for oboe & piano by ROBERT SCHUMANN
Catherine Del Russo - oboe
Rosa LoGiudice - piano

DECEMBER 16, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEETHOVEN!
PIANO TRIO Op.1 No.3 in E flat Major
KEWA ENSEMBLE
Jacqueline Suzuki - violin
Pam deAlmeida - violoncello
Rosa LoGiudice - piano

CONCERT UPDATES:
http://www.glendalenoonconcerts.blogspot.com

12/5/09

A show of small oil paintings at the Segil Gallery in historic
Old Town Monrovia. Many artists are featured in this show
including Chris Zambon.

This starts at 5 PM. The show will be up for a month.

Segil Fine Art
110 West Lime Avenue
Old Town Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 358-5563

Chris’ webstie address is:
httpp://www.chriszambon.com

———————————-

12/24/09

50th Annual MUSIC CENTER HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
- THURS 12/24/09: LOS ANGELES, CA - DORTHY CHANDLER PAVILION
PLUS LIVE BROADCAST! ON KCET, KOCE, KLCS, KVCR-TV
Show is 3-9PM - Lisa Haley & the Zydekats performance time TBA
http://www.holidaycelebration.org

———————————-

12/31/09

ANAHEIM, CA - DISNEYLAND NEW YEARS CELEBRATION! - 8PM
WE COUNT THE PARK DOWN TO MIDNIGHT ON THE RIVER OF THE
AMERICAS!
http://www.disneyland.com/

==================

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47
Visit us at www.responsible47.com

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