AGMAzineSPRING 2018 VOL. 72. 1 How AGMA Keeps Us Safe Official Publication of the American Guild of Musical Artists A Branch of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America Affiliated with the AFL-CIO 145843 2018Spring issue-FINAL.indd 1 5/24/18 4:24 PM By Tim Smith shares a New York Concert Singer’s perspective MMRC Chair, as a Delegate. AGMA Governor, We start this issue with some thoughts about Chorister the importance of contract enforcement and ways to prevent harassment from our National Executive Director, Len Egert. President Jimmy SPRING, 2018 Odom reports on a recent trip to Washington, D.C. for Arts Advocacy Day. Later in the issue, The American Guild of Musical Artists 1430 Broadway, 14th Floor President Odom highlights members who New York, New York 10018-3308 IN THIS JAM-PACKED issue, we explore some remembered the AGMA Relief Fund in their (212) 265-3687 Fax: (212) 262-9088 of the many ways "How AGMA Keeps Us Safe." estate planning. www.MusicalArtists.org We revisit an article from 2013 by Dancer I hope you have noticed that AGMA (and Lawrence Tibbett, Founding President Barry Kerollis, who offers great insight about AGMAzine) has a new look! I have included an Jascha Heifetz, Founding Vice President the protections of working under an AGMA CBA article that described our need for new branding James Odom, President versus a non-signatory. In that same vein, and the process we took to get here. John Coleman, 1st Vice President another member shines a light on the some-time Not associated with the theme, Chorister Gregory Stapp, 2nd Vice President perils of working at a non-union house; we fully Karen Grahn talks about the importance of George Scott, 3rd Vice President J Austin Bitner, 4th Vice President support protecting anonymity, since sharing a paying your AGMA Dues. Soloist David Salsbury Jane Shaulis, 5th Vice President story can sometimes have a negative impact on Fry discusses some ways to make the most of Raymond Menard, Treasurer one’s career path. Chorister Christine Harper your AGMA membership. Soloist Jonathan Louis Perry, Recording Secretary Leonard Egert, National Executive Director and Dancer Francisco Estevez give us articles Green gives us a fascinating piece of history, Gerry Angel, Director of Operations reminding us that we are all part of workplace “Finding Fulton,” relating to the Seagle Music safety. Dancer Olivia Yoch shares the importance Colony and Fulton Fryar. General Counsel Bruce Simon of the five-minute break. Chorister Margaret Featured in the Area News section are Cohen, Weiss, & Simon Osaki-Graves sat down with Stage Manager updates from Chicago/Midwest, Washington/- (212) 563-4100 Brandon Ehrenreich and Soloist Earl Hazell to Baltimore, Northwest, New England, New Special Counsel gather their advice on how our members can Orleans, Southern California and New York. Lisa Leshinski Freedman & Lorry work toward our collective safety. We also felt it You will also find many photographs in this issue (215) 925-8400 was important to talk about the process we ask from the various Areas. Associate Executive Director signatories to go through, should they desire a The National Office is always willing to Deborah J. Allton-Maher one-time waiver of a contract provision. Since help any AGMA member and direct them to [email protected] (800) 543-2462 this is an ongoing concern, we revisit AGMA’s the proper place for help, but if you ever feel Midwest Counsel stance on the use of smoke and fog. Canadian uncomfortable contacting staff, please know John F. Ward Actors’ Equity Association had a great piece in that your elected leaders are also there for you. [email protected] their Winter 2017 edition of Equity Quarterly, Never be afraid to reach out and ask a question (312) 628-7830 reprinted with their permission here, Your Per- or raise a concern. Special Counsel Hope Singer sonal Safety Checklist, showing that safety is a AGMAzine is YOUR magazine. No issue could [email protected] universal concern. be possible without contributions (blurbs/ (424) 390-9524 Our Associate Executive Director, Debo- thoughts, articles, and pictures) from YOU, the New York Area Dance Executive rah Allton-Maher, gives us an update on sexual member. I am grateful that you take the time to Griff Braun [email protected] harassment and the ways AGMA can help. Eleni share your stories with us. I must also express my (800) 543-2462 Kallas, the Mid-Atlantic Representative and extreme gratitude for the tireless work that goes AREA REPRESENTATION National Director of Organizing and Training, into making AGMAzine. All involved are hoping Mid-Atlantic talks about the importance of Delegates and why that YOU, the membership, enjoy what you see. Eleni Kallas, National Director of you should consider becoming one. Also on the Thank you so much, everyone, for your part in Organizing and Training [email protected] subject of Delegates, Chorister Mark Rehnstrom making each issue of AGMAzine a reality. (301) 869-8266 San Francisco Keep Contributing to AGMAzine Nora Heiber, National Dance Executive AGMA grows stronger with your valuable input. We invite you to write an article for [email protected] (415) 552-2800 AGMAzine and include some photographs to go with your article. AGMA members like to Editor see photos of members doing AGMA work. Please share your rehearsal and backstage Denise Baker photos. All submissions should be sent for consideration to [email protected]. 145843 2018Spring issue-FINAL.indd 2 5/24/18 4:24 PM contents 10PAGE 13PAGE 2 National Executive AREA NEWS Director’s Report 14 Chicago/Midwest 3 President’s Message 16 Washington/Baltimore FEATURED ARTICLES 16 Northwest 6 Why Pay Dues? 17 New England PAGE PAGE 8 Sexual Harassment 18 New Orleans Update 18 Southern California 8 Legacy Gifts to the 14 16 AGMA Relief Fund 19 New York 10 The Importance of HOW AGMA KEEPS Delegates US SAFE Rosenberg ©Todd 11 A New York Chorus 4 A View From the Delegate's Perspective Other Side PAGE 12 The Waiver Process 5 Safety: Everyone's Business 12 AGMA's Stance on Smoke and Fog 17 5 The Essential Five-Minute Break 13 AGMA Has a New Look! 6 Safety in the Workplace 20 Finding Fulton and an Artist's Responsibility 22 Make the Most of Your Membership 7 "You Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone" 26 AGMA Relief Fund PAGE PAGE Thanksgiving Bake Sale 9 Keeping Ourselves Safe: Tips for Members 27 Negotiation Updates 21 Your Personal Safety Checklist 19 20 DEPARTMENTS 15 In Memoriam 28 AGMA Audited Financials PAGE 1 145843 2018Spring issue-FINAL.indd 1 5/24/18 4:24 PM The Importance of Contract Enforcement and Preventing Harassment However, a collective bargaining agreement is its policy when informed of complaints. AGMA only valuable if we enforce its terms. This is where may also seek to enforce our anti-discrimination you, the member, comes in. We rely upon each mem- and harassment contractual provisions through ber working the contracts to be the necessary “eyes the previously-mentioned agreements. In addition, and ears” on the ground. You do not need to know members may also have recourse to local, state and each and every term in your contract, but you federal legal protections. If you have experienced should raise any potential issues with your delegate workplace harassment or discrimination, you or appropriate AGMA representative. We need to should contact your professional AGMA staff make sure that we are getting the benefits of our representative immediately. AGMA staff will LEONARD EGERT collective bargain. If there are violations identified, counsel you about how best to approach the situ- NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR we will attempt to rectify the problem with the ation so that you can seek the appropriate remedy Happy Spring! As we pause to reflect on the past Company and, if necessary, file for arbitration to under the circumstances. It is also important to year, I am reminded of the basic functions that resolve any disputed matters. note that you are protected under law for retal- AGMA provides. Our dedicated leaders, mem- There is one contractual enforcement area iation against you for bringing a complaint of bers and staff diligently negotiate terms relating that is very topical right now—dealing with harassment or discrimination. to working and wages for approximately 7,500 harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Over the years, numerous negotiating com- members working under AGMA’s jurisdiction The veil of secrecy has been lifted as we hear of mittees, made up of AGMA members, expended across the country. The results of these negotia- new and disturbing reports of sexual harassment considerable efforts to gain important protections tions are approximately 65 extensive, detailed, and and corresponding investigations in the entertain- in our contracts. Let us ensure that those measures comprehensive contracts which form the basis for ment industry. are enforced so that all AGMA members can con- protecting and enforcing our members’ rights. AGMA has taken a proactive role in providing tinue to benefit now and in the future. A cursory review of a typical AGMA contract, support to our members. Back in 2015 (well before whether covering Opera, Dance or Concert, recent high-profile reports of sexual harassment shows the whole gamut of conditions and protec- and abuse in many industries), AGMA estab- tions provided: minimum wage rates, minimum lished a confidential reporting system whereby number of weeks, scheduling, required breaks, members could seek counseling on how best to annual increases, health and retirement provi- navigate claims of harassment (including discrim- sions, health and safety conditions, rehearsal hours ination) and protect themselves (see AGMA’s and pay, guaranteed holidays, sick leave, vacation Sexual Harassment Policy on our website).