Musician's Union Again - Local 1000

Subject: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: JedMarum
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 11:28 AM

We've had some discussion on this topic before, but I wanted to start a fresh thread on the AFM Local 1000. Do we have Mudcatters or Guests with experience with this union?

My schedule will make joining an advantage for me, I think for two reasons: 1)I am booking more and more festival and concert-type venues, and these venues are OK with the Union contracts, also the "two checks" required for payment. The Union offers what looks like a good retirement package. 2)and maybe more importantly; I feel like my hands are tied with regards to booking Canadian dates from the US, and the Union 1000 offers assistance in that regard, solving the intrenationl performance paperwork.

If you have experience with this organization, am I correct in those two assumptions?

I'm also concerned about the risk of travelling with my instruments. I wouldn't join the union just to buy the insurance - but it sure looks like a good plan.

Any thoughts? Thanks

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 11:44 AM

It is an excellent source for cheap insurance.

Sincerely,

Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: DebC
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 04:40 PM

Hi Jed,

I joined last year and am now in my second year of membership. I have found them (especially Amy Fix in the office) to be very helpful and also available to answer any questions I may have.

As for the separate check thing with the pension, it has just been put through that we no longer have to do that. There is a new form (and even tho I did have one presenter complain about the paperwork) it makes it easier for the presenter to pay one check and then I can write a check to the pension fund.

We are also trying to get together socially. It's been difficult, but we had one barbecue for Boston or Northeast members in Cambridge last summer. It was a small but enthusiastic group and we are trying to find another time when we can do it again.

You are more than welcome to pm me, Jed if you have any questions.

I thinki that Local 1000 is a great group to belong to.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: JedMarum
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 05:02 PM

Thanks Deb. Sounds like great feedback. I'm not surprised the two checks issue has gone away. I know it interfered (rightly or wrongly) with folks joining. I actually considering incorporating to avoid having to do it - but incorporation has some very costly issues for a Texas resident (corp taxes).

Have you worked with Canadian bookings and used the local 1000 services to resolve paperwork?

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: DebC
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 06:35 PM

Hi Jed,

I haven't had the chance to cross the border yeat, but I am sure that when the time comes, I'll be looking to Local 1000 for help on that.

I think that one of the best things about Local 1000 is that they are very flexible and understand the traveling musicians' issues which have many differences than other AFM locals.

I encourage you to call the office and talk to Amy about it. You can go to the website to get the contact information.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: open mike
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 07:13 PM

As I recall John McCutcheon was involved, in a leadership role,
(union president?) for years. Sounds like a good organization.
thanks for the link, Deb. Laurel

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: DebC
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 10:13 PM

John is our president and John O'Conner, a wonderful musician with a specialty in labour songs is our secretary/treasurer. Ian Robb is our webmaster.

Deb

Hey Laurel! Send some of the Chico weather out here! It's 15 degrees F here in ol' Massatwoshitz

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: open mike
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 03:07 AM

sorry, deb, don't know how to pkg. the weather--
would send some if i could--bare foot tonite at
the contra dance---neener neener neener....
though if we continue this warm and dry trend I
fear what it will be like for fire season!!

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 10:19 AM

I am so pleased to hear this feedback from actual members. I, and my bandmates belong to Local 56 of the AFM, here in Michigan. But of late, I have been considering joining Local 1000 due to the fact that I work in the jurisdictions of some 8 or more Locals.

Great feedback here, let's have some more.

Mick

Subject: RE: Musician's Union Again - Local 1000
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 11:56 AM

I've always believed there is a duty to join a union for whatever you are earning your living doing. Sometimes there might be unions that don't deserve the name, and you wouldn't want to join them, but barring that, it's right to join even when we don't see any particular advantages at the time.