Here is the current info on AFM Sound Studio Scale from local 47 It's in LA--all I could find on short notice. Benefits are paid for, from your wages, by way of the union. An initiation fee is required.

The hourly rates look enormous, but remember that your friend will not work every day. And, as our GUEST has pointed out, no matter how good you think your friend is, there are many, many, better, with better connections.

As to the promised work, well, promises are one thing, contracts are another. It's show business. A few people do well, some do all right, and a lot just hang on. A microcosm of life--But given the obligatory boilerplate, best of luck to your friend--he sounds like a great guy.