LESSONS FROM THE MEETING<\/p>\n
I.\tA THANKS WE NEGLECTED \u2013 RMA MEMBERS VOTING THEIR CONSCIENCE
\nII.\tLESSONS FROM THE MEETING
\nIII.\tDELTA BOYCOTT LIFTED \u2013 THANK YOU AFM!
\nIV.\tSAPPA Charitable Contribution Request
\nV.\tMEMBER COMMENTS!<\/p>\n
Greetings Local 47 Colleagues!,<\/p>\n
Once again, thank you to all the LOCAL 47 rank and file for coming down and protecting our voice!
\nThe RMA Administration brought out their \u201cA\u201d level game and we, the rank and file, prevailed!<\/p>\n
The RMA, has admitted that they lost on Monday, putting out the confirmed results themselves on
\nThursday. The results were also on the Local 47 website as of Tuesday morning. <\/p>\n
I. A THANK YOU WE NEGLECTED<\/p>\n
There is a needed thank you that we were remiss in making in the first email after the meeting. With the voting so very close it is certainly possible that the votes that put us over the top came from RMA members who dared to go against \u201cRMA expectations\u201d and vote their conscience.<\/p>\n
All the rank and file members are in your debt.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
II. LESSONS FROM THE MEETING<\/p>\n
1) CONTRACTION VS EXPANSION or \u201cActions Speak Louder Than Words.\u201d<\/p>\n
RMA\/ESPINOSA CROWD = CONTRACTION OF THE MEMBERS VOICE.<\/p>\n
It was glaringly apparent that for all the talk about Democracy by President Espinosa and the RMA
\nleadership at the meeting Monday, every single action the RMA Leadership proposed, except the
\nnaming of the auditorium for Serena Williams and her husband, was designed to stifle and exclude
\nthe voice of the membership. <\/p>\n
-Their Resolution I which would have almost guaranteed no meetings FAILED. Bravi membership!<\/p>\n
-Their Resolution II would have shut out the voice of the membership if there were no quorum
\nat a meeting. A further contraction of the members voice. It ALSO FAILED. Bravi again membership!<\/p>\n
-Their Resolution III was written solely because David Schubach had the temerity to get the most votes
\nof any of the AFM Convention Delegate candidates. It has changed the working of the Delegate slate,
\nbut the Delegate portion of the election ballot still needs fixing to be equitable. We\u2019ll see to that before
\nthe next election.<\/p>\n
-Also, their motion later in the night, once the RMA controlled the room, that forced the entire delegate
\nslate going to the convention to vote as a block, was solely because David Schubach, who is
\nindependence minded, won one of the delegate spots fair and square.<\/p>\n
Their actions belie their words.<\/p>\n
2) COMMITTEE\/FMA\/RANK AND FILE = EXPANSION OF OUR VOICE<\/p>\n
On the other hand, every single action of the COMMITTEE and the concerned Rank and File has been to
\nEXPAND the member\u2019s role, the member\u2019s voice, and to encourage and sometimes force transparency
\nat our Local. The RMA leadership spent a great deal of time making wildly absurd claims of what the
\n50 member quorum could do, including forcing the selling of the building or a changing in the color of
\na paint job!<\/p>\n
REALITY CHECK TIME<\/p>\n
The COMMITTEE has a track record of how the membership has used a 50-person quorum. We are
\nproud that that power has been used to EXPAND the voice of the membership and to make the Local
\nmore inclusive. It has not been used to take advantage or hurt the membership, or to take control
\nof the Local for the benefit of a small elite click. In fact, the resolutions forwarded by the RMA
\nleadership were to undo those actions voted in by the \u201c50 Person Quorum mentality\u201d that expanded
\nthe voice and rights of the members to begin with. <\/p>\n
-We also have the REALITY of what a quorum of just 100 would create, NO MEETINGS! The RMA
\nAdministration wanted it even higher than that!<\/p>\n
So whose actions benefit only the Board and a small elite click, and whose actions have been
\nbeneficial to the vast majority?? The choice is obvious.<\/p>\n
AN EXAMPLE OF THE MAIN TROUBLE AT OUR LOCAL<\/p>\n
We saw a representation of what many feel is the true power at the Local. Within moments
\nof the meeting starting. International RMA President Phil Ayling called for \u201cSuspension of the
\nRules\u201d, which means from that moment on he controlled the agenda. Normally such a call
\nrequires the person to set the agenda for the meeting all at once, up front, but the board
\nsaid nothing, nor did the parliamentarian, nor did the counsel, so Phil basically ran the
\nmeeting for the entire night. <\/p>\n
-It was a real time example of the pandering our administration does for the RMA inside
\nand outside meetings. We were just able to see it in public for a change. After each issue
\nof the meeting was finished, we had the President of our Local turning to Phil and saying,
\n \u201cWhat do you want to do next, Phil?\u201d We can all imagine the same thing happening in the
\nPresident\u2019s office or perhaps the board room. <\/p>\n
3) WE MUST STAY VIGILENT AND ENGAGED IN OUR LOCAL<\/p>\n
If we lose sight of the threat of those who want to take over our Local for the benefit of only
\na small special interest group, they will regain control. The meeting is only one night every
\nthree months! Surely you can plan far enough ahead to make the time to attend.<\/p>\n
We will have many things to accomplish in making our Local more equitable in its treatment
\nof members and the services for us all. We will need your partnership to do it and, on occasion,
\nwill need your participation, sometimes on short notice, to come to the defense of our voice.<\/p>\n
The RMA administration is clever, determined, well-organized and VERY WELL FUNDED! Luckily
\nwe have the truth, true democracy and the COMMON good on our side! <\/p>\n
WE WILL HAVE TO BECOME AND REMAIN AS DETERMINED TO PROTECT OUR VOICE AS THEY
\nHAVE BEEN IN THE PAST TO TAKE IT AWAY!<\/p>\n
The next General Membership Meeting is on July 23rd and will be well worth the trip! We can
\ncertainly promise you that!<\/p>\n
4) THE MOST DISTURBING LESSON LEARNED LAST MONDAY<\/p>\n
There were 263 RMA\/ESPINOSA supporters at the meeting ready, able and more than willing
\nto shut out the voice of the vast majority of the membership for their own gain, profit and
\ninterests. This is not what a union is about. This is not what Democracy is supposed to be about. <\/p>\n
If the RMA is so concerned about democracy they should start with their own organization and
\nallow ALL RMA MEMBERS to vote on contracts, not just those making an \u201cAcceptable amount to
\nearn that right\u201d. Democracy begins at home but we somehow think that true democracy is only
\ntheir concern as long as things go their way.<\/p>\n
III. DELTA BOYCOTT LIFTED<\/p>\n
Here is a notice we received from the AFM. Thank you to the current AFM administration for getting
\nthis done!<\/p>\n
Dear Friends:
\nPassing on good news about Delta Air’s policy re: instruments as carry-ons.
\nAs a result of the American Federation of Musicians’ boycott and the leadership of President Tom Lee,
\nDelta Airlines recently has decided to allow small musical instruments and guitars on board all flights.
\nTherefore, AFM has lifted its boycott on Delta. In addition to its carry-on policy, Delta also improved
\nits checked baggage policy. Checked items can now measure up to 120 linear inches and weigh up to
\n100 pounds. AFM is currently urging all other airlines to adopt Delta’s policies. We applaud Delta for
\nits decision to accommodate musicians traveling with instruments. Thank you all very much for your
\nsupport of the boycott.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
Hal Ponder
\nDirector of Government Relations
\nAmerican Federation of Musicians<\/p>\n
IV. SAPPA Charitable Contribution Request<\/p>\n
From Local 47 member Billy Mitchell<\/p>\n
Dear Friends,
\nWe are well into the New Year and once again I am asking for your support for the<\/p>\n
Scholarship Audition Performance Preparatory Academy
\n Please take a moment and visit our site:
\nwww.sappa.net
\nWe hope that our video program will give you a clear picture of our mission. We know that you get
\nmany requests for charitable contributions but we hope that you will add your name to our growing
\nlist of supporters. Every dollar goes a long way in helping SAPPA expand its program into under-
\nserved communities.<\/p>\n
Mail to: Billy Mitchell\/SAPPA
\nPO Box 284
\nS. Pasadena, CA 91031
\nPayable: Pasadena Arts Council FBO SAPPA <\/p>\n
SAPPA is an activity of the
\nPasadena Arts Council
\n65 South Grand Ave. Pasadena 91105
\n626-793-8171 Fax: 793-5521
\na nonprofit charity exempt from federal income tax under 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.<\/p>\n
V. MEMBER COMMENTS<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve had so many great comments about the meeting that we will spread them out over two or
\nthree mailings, improving their chances of being read!<\/p>\n
Enjoy!,.. and write whenever you like!<\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
Dear Committee:<\/p>\n
I attended last Monday’s membership meeting and I was excited by the turnout. When I arrived
\nat 5:15 PM, the parking lot was practically full. Unfortunately I ate at Astro Burgers before I
\nshowed up, and I was too full to enjoy the Cajun dinner that was served by the Committee.<\/p>\n
There was electricity in the air, and you can see that there was going to be a battle between the
\nRMA and the Committee. I have to admit the RMA had some great spin doctors, and the bourgeoisie
\nor the “six-figure July Check people” came out in droves. I was surprised that they would even show
\nup at all. What started to scare me was that when they (RMA) wanted to “compromise” and lower to
\na 125 member quorum, they had the votes. There was a music copyist that was sitting next
\nto me and he was for all the resolutions to be changed. When I tried to explain to him that when he
\npays his work dues, he doesn’t have a voice and a tyrannical thought process coming from Hal
\nEspinosa’s crew would stifle his voice. I guess my persuasiveness prevailed because he voted no
\non all three resolutions.<\/p>\n
I would like to thank the Committee for keeping our voices heard. The proletariat let the bourgeoisie
\nknow that we won’t be pushed around. I want to raise a glass to the Committee For A More Responsible
\nLocal 47; may their voices of conscience and integrity continue to be heard.<\/p>\n
Thanks to all of you,<\/p>\n
(EDITOR’S NOTE \u2013 We would be remiss if we didn\u2019t point out the huge contribution of the FMA and other
\nnon-committee members in getting the members there, getting them fed, and helping guarantee the
\nmember\u2019s knowledge of the stakes of those votes. We all did our parts, as any good team does.)<\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
I was a bit disappointed that more non-RMA members
\n didn’t attend this very important meeting. While we
\n were able to defeat 2 of the “wack” amendments, if it
\n wasn’t for the required 2\/3 majority we’d lost our
\n voice in Local 47. It appears apathy still affects
\n many Members. <\/p>\n
Knowing that RMALA has blocked suggestions\/amendments
\n that would help the majority of Members, I was still
\n shocked by the “reasoning” of those wishing to raise
\n the quorum to 170 (excuse me, 125) members. The use of
\n traffic in NYC to excuse their reasoning was insulting
\n at best. <\/p>\n
I’m from the NYC area, and I know most of 802’s
\n members use mass transit (as most NYC residents)
\n because it’s the best way to get around town. The
\n statement “most of them (802 members) live in NJ” was
\n disingenuous and patently false. Even if this were
\n true, 802’s geographic jurisdiction is nowhere near as
\n large as 47’s. <\/p>\n
The statements about democracy being jeopardized by
\n having a 50 Member quorum reminded me of the same
\n lies\/falsehoods\/misrepresentations endemic in the Bush
\n administration. I was really disgusted that the RMALA
\n would stoop THAT low. Not surprised, just really
\n really disgusted. <\/p>\n
In speaking with someone from AFM\/West it was
\n mentioned that RMALA’s attempts to shut down
\n non-members isn’t a new occurrence. Some of these
\n musicians are making well over $100K\/year, and the
\n only logical reason for them to shut down the rest of
\n us is greed. It’s apparent that ideas of Union
\n Brother\/Sisterhood is outmoded, if it truly existed at
\n all. It’s also painfully apparent they want ALL the
\n money, period. This attitude will (and is) coming back
\n to bite them, and by association us, in the backside. <\/p>\n
The only thing I can say with certainty is had those
\n horrendous measures passed I would have resigned my
\n membership the next day. Local 47 isn’t addressing any
\n of the issues I face as a professional musician, and
\n because of the apparent stranglehold RMALA has on 47’s
\nleadership I don’t see where this will change anytime
\n soon. <\/p>\n
A Member wrote to you saying the best thing may be for
\n us to disband this Union and start all over again.
\n Unless someone has a way to force the Administration
\n to do right by the majority of members (it doesn’t
\n mean this would hurt RMA members’ incomes), that may
\n be the best thing to do. <\/p>\n
It’s absolutely criminal that it may have to come to
\n this. <\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
Rather than engage the companies that produce library music many years ago, the AFM has
\nshunned them only to see this work done out of town or dark. How about getting a platform
\nthat has more pension like 15% (since when is pension not a form of back end?) and getting
\nthese producers back – it may and is probably already too late though. Why can’t we
\nhave a FORWARD thinking, ahead of the times AFM, instead of a DAMAGE control AFM. Look
\nwhat’s happening with Fi Core and the company New Era and players considering this
\nalternative. The AFM needs to get front end pension and health and work dues form these jobs. <\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
Hey Music Colleagues:<\/p>\n
Happy that members showed up and that outcome was in our (rank and file’s) favor in
\nsome areas. Sorry I couldn’t be there; was out of town. Keep up the good work.
\nWill see ya on the next one.<\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
Dear Committee,<\/p>\n
Thank you for taking the battle to the RMA and defeating them. Thank you for holding
\nfirm against the onslaught.<\/p>\n
I not only don’t mind receiving this message twice, I savor the opportunity to read about
\nthe victory a second time.<\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
IN PRAISE OF OUR INTESTINAL FORTITUDE… <\/p>\n
…and not just regarding the Jambalaya! The results
\n are truly astounding. It was hard not to be a bit down
\n in the mouth as the evening wore on; the sheer numbers
\n were daunting. We have proven just because the RMA
\n wants something they are not necessarily going to get
\n it. It must be pointed out, and appreciated, that the
\n RMA did not vote as a monolith. The numbers bear this
\n out. Those clear thinking members deserve great
\n credit. <\/p>\n
This union can still belong to the rank and file and
\n we proved it!
\n .
\n—————<\/p>\n
Well…
\nI have lots to say!
\nBut let’s just start with this..
\nI think all the musicians that aren’t in the rma, whether recording musicians are not,
\nshould join the rma ( i doubt they will turn down our money) and vote the current
\nrma officers out of office. There you go!! Very simple! \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n
Soooooo is every meeting going to be about how many for a quorum?? The rma didn’t
\nget their way…so now will they come up with a new resolution for a quorum….gee..how
\nabout this guys…..half of 125… is 62 1\/2 members for a quorum….will that make you
\nhappy now?? Did the the men who wrote the resolution see that they weren’t going to
\nwin and humble themselves at the last minute to change it to 125! When this much
\ncontrol needs to go on… somebody is scared! What do they think we are going to do
\nto their profession?? <\/p>\n
I understanding why the rma would be scared…the business has changed tremendously
\nand there is not a lot of recording work! But, wasting all of our time with these petty
\nissues when we could be practicing and looking for work (I even turned down work
\nlast year for one of the meetings) is such a joke. There is always work for the live
\nperformer! But the recording musicians,\u2026 very few get to make a living that way!
\nWith the major films doing orchestrations with a few keyboards\u2026 hat would be frustrating
\nto a recording person! I can understand that! But, what does that have to do with thinking
\nsomebody is going to pull a stunt if we only have 50 at a meeting! If there is an important
\nrma issue I am sure your group will show up! As they did last night! But how many rma
\npeople showed up the last year when many of us just wanted Barbara Markay
\nand Errol Henry back!<\/p>\n
As far as the delegates all voting the same way…if somebody told me how i should vote..i
\nwould tell them to hit the road! What is that about!? Wow! So controlling! Glad I am not
\nmarried to any of them! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
Sorry,… had to add some humor to the drama!!<\/p>\n
To the Commrep47 people,\u2026 THANK YOU!! You are great! And yes you should stay
\nanonymous, as I can certainly see after this last year and especially after last nights
\nmeeting, how it could affect your careers! And thank you Lisa Haley for your amazing
\ndedication and all of you who spoke up with such poise and class and intellect..
\nChuck, David, Ron, Harriet and many more!!<\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
I resigned because of the Espinosa administration. I never got a job from them in my
\n15 years of membership. Is the committee moving toward voted these people out? I
\nknow the current administration retained their place in the last election, but they may
\nnot do so if the committee actively works toward their removal in the next election.<\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
April 23 meeting: Whew, what a cliff-hanger!<\/p>\n
There was a huge turnout Monday night, the RMA was there in force. But enough of
\nus were inspired to attend that the attempt to disenfranchise the general membership
\nby hiking the quorum failed. <\/p>\n
A 2\/3 vote is required to amend the by-laws, and that fell short\u2014by only 4 votes. We
\nshould all consider ourselves one of those 4 people who made the crucial difference.<\/p>\n
By the way, a 2\/3 vote is also required to \u201ccall the question\u201d\u2014i.e, cut off debate. If that
\ngets a 2\/3 vote, then there is no more discussion, and you go directly to voting on
\nwhatever motion is on the floor. But Local 47 President Hal Espinoza, quite surprisingly
\nconsidered the great number of meetings he has attended and chaired over the years, didn\u2019t
\nknow that\u2014he had to consult with the parliamentarian. Then Hal said he had \u201cdecided\u201d 2\/3
\nwas required. It wasn\u2019t a decision for him to make, it\u2019s a basic fact of parliamentary procedure
\nthat he should have learned long ago.<\/p>\n
Back to the quorum controversy: in gathering information on this topic, I learned from the US
\nDepartment of Labor that there is a federal law known as the \u201cUnion Members Bill of Rights.\u201d
\nIt\u2019s been on the books since 1959, it\u2019s Title I of the Landrum-Griffin Act, here\u2019s what it says:<\/p>\n
TITLE I — BILL OF RIGHTS OF MEMBERS OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS
\nBill of Rights
\n(29 U.S.C. 411)
\nSEC. 101. (a)(1) EQUAL RIGHTS.– Every member of a labor organization shall have equal rights
\nand privileges within such organization to nominate candidates, to vote in elections or referendums
\nof the labor organization, to attend membership meetings and to participate in the deliberations and
\nvoting upon the business of such meetings, subject to reasonable rules and regulations in such
\norganization’s constitution and bylaws.<\/p>\n
(2) FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ASSEMBLY.– Every member of any labor organization shall have the
\nright to meet and assemble freely with other members; and to express any views, arguments, or
\nopinions; and to express at meetings of the labor organization his views, upon candidates in an
\nelection of the labor organization or upon any business properly before the meeting, subject to the
\norganization’s established and reasonable rules pertaining to the conduct of meetings: Provided,
\nThat nothing herein shall be construed to impair the right of a labor organization to adopt and enforce
\nreasonable rules as to the responsibility of every member toward the organization as an institution
\nand to his refraining from conduct that would interfere with its performance of its legal or
\ncontractual obligations.<\/p>\n
The US Dept. of Labor has no enforcement power for Title I, but Title I guarantees a union member\u2019s
\nright to sue:<\/p>\n
PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO SUE.– No labor organization shall limit the right of any member thereof
\nto institute an action in any court, or in a proceeding before any administrative agency, irrespective of
\nwhether or not the labor organization or its officers are named as defendants or respondents in such
\naction or proceeding, or the right of any member of a labor organization to appear as a witness in any
\njudicial, administrative, or legislative proceeding, or to petition any legislature or to communicate with
\nany legislator. At the meeting, I read our bill of rights, pointed out (something I also learned from the Dept
\nof Labor) that whether a quorum hike so large that there\u2019d hardly ever be a meeting was a reasonable or
\nunreasonable had never been litigated. I also stated that if the quorum hike passed, I would file suit in federal
\ncourt. (I didn\u2019t see this, but I\u2019m told Local 47 attorney Louis Levy, who\u2019s also the RMA attorney, rolled his eyes
\nwhile I was speaking. I know that he also was talking while I was reading from our bill of rights, and I told him
\nhe needed to pay attention to what was being said.)<\/p>\n
After I spoke, RMA activist Jay Rosen berated me for threatening to sue.
\nI pointed out that it\u2019s my right to sue, asked attorney Louis Levy to confirm that, which he did, (though in my
\nopinion flippantly,) saying I\u2019d have to pay the filing fees. I said I\u2019d just have to get a lot more work, and said
\nmy intention to sue if the quorum hike passed wasn\u2019t a threat, it was a promise.<\/p>\n
Kudos and appreciation to Election Board Chair Michelle Byrne and all the members of the Election Board for
\nstaying till the wee hours of the morning to recount the votes 3 times because the numbers were so close.
\nNow that the quorum remains at 50, we have to make good use of it\u2014by making it a habit to come to the
\nmembership meetings. Mark your calendar now–the next one is July!<\/p>\n
Fraternally,
\nHarriet Katz<\/p>\n
—————<\/p>\n
Local 47 Brothers and Sisters,
\nNext time there will be more of the many excellent member comments and other news of the machinations
\nbehind the scenes at the Local!<\/p>\n
Your voice\u2026 Use it or lose it!<\/p>\n
Until next time,
\nTHE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLOE LOCAL 47<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LESSONS FROM THE MEETING I. A THANKS WE NEGLECTED \u2013 RMA MEMBERS VOTING THEIR CONSCIENCE II. LESSONS FROM THE MEETING III. DELTA BOYCOTT LIFTED \u2013 THANK YOU AFM! IV. SAPPA Charitable Contribution Request V. MEMBER COMMENTS! Greetings Local 47 Colleagues!, Once again, thank you to all the LOCAL 47 rank and file for coming down […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-committee-newsletters"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=33"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=33"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=33"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=33"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}