STATE OF THE LOCAL Dave Pomeroy discusses the ongoing

BY DAVE POMEROY L ooking back, it’s hard to believe that it’s been 12 years since I was first elected president of Local 257 in 2008. In some ways it seems like yesterday, and sometimes, especially times like these, it feels like it’s been a lot longer than the calendar says! Either way, there is no denying that 2020 has been a year no one saw coming, and that most of us will be glad to see end. COVID-19 has changed so many things about the way we live, work, interact, travel and the ways we take care of business, yet it still defies any previous measure as to its long-term impact on our business. The political divisiveness of this election year has heightened conflicts within our country at a time when, more than ever, we need to find common ground and work together. Please make a plan on how you can vote safely, if you haven’t already done so. No matter what the outcome of the presidential election, I hope we as a country can move beyond the left/right stereotypes that have divided us and work towards doing what is best for ALL Americans.

Negotiations continue

On the national front, the AFM has been in protracted negotiations with the major TV networks via Zoom. We have yet to reach agreement, but are slowly getting closer. It is an obvious fact that musicians do not get the same treatment as other creative contributors when streaming is involved, and this must be addressed. On our side of the table, our team, including representatives from the AFM members of the late-night TV show house bands, is very focused and engaged. Our side is unified and it is understood that we are not only looking out for the house bands, but also guest musicians as well, which is where many of our members come into this equation. The networks continue to minimize the drastic negative economic impact that “streaming only” shows have on musicians

This is not the first crisis we have faced in the past 12 years, and it may not be the last. We will get through this by sticking together. In the long run, it’s all about solidarity.

under the current parameters. We are waiting on a meaningful counteroffer that will represent a significant move on their part.

Locally, the Nashville Symphony continues to be on furlough until Fall 2021, and the immediate and long-term effects of the closure on these world-class musicians has been devastating on many levels. We are continuing negotiations to discuss how and what Symphony management intends to do to help these musicians make it through these unprecedented times. We have been meeting with management weekly. The musicians have taken on a lot of new challenges, and are doing a good job of keeping the music alive and creating financial alternatives for themselves.

I want to extend my appreciation to all the NSO musicians, and especially our NSO Negotiating Committee, who have really stepped up to the plate. This is a very difficult situation, and we are prepared to do our part to bring the music, and the musicians, back. Symphony management has an obligation not just to the musicians of the NSO, but to our city and community, to not let the Nashville Symphony simply fade away. Our symphony musicians need to be treated with respect, and our priority is to bring them back to the front and center of Music City once again. It will take some out of the box thinking on many levels, and innovative and creative fundraising efforts to find the way to that goal — but we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get management to understand how important the Nashville Symphony is to Music City.

Adjusting to the new normal

Studio work continues to come back, but the danger of Covid-19 infection has not gone away. Almost everyone has adjusted their behavior accordingly, but there are still those who continue to ignore the risks. We all need to urge those people to do the right thing and wear a mask, be sensible and stay safe. The same applies to live performances. The closeness, interaction, and enthusiasm that make for a great live gig or studio session now can have serious and deadly consequences if everyone does not follow the safety protocols.

We continue to help our members work through the convoluted and confusing Tennessee Unemployment Insurance system, and are also connecting them with various fundraising and assistance options, including our friends at HOPE-20. org who set aside $250,000 to help AFM 257 members with paying their bills. [See page 9 for details.]

Thank you for being part of Local 257

This is not the first crisis we have faced in the past 12 years, and it may not be the last. We will get through this by sticking together. In the long run, it’s all about solidarity. On that note, thanks to those of you who have served AFM 257 as elected officers, and to those of you who may run for office in our Local 257 elections in November. Last but not least, I am pleased to note that for the second year in a row, the annual dues amount is going down due to the adjustments we made several years ago to our Funeral Benefit Fund. It means a lot to be able to reduce the cost of being an AFM 257 member during these challenging times and is an indicator of how important YOU are to who WE are. TNM