Local 802

Local 802
Name	Local 802
Location country	United States
Affiliation	American Federation of Musicians
Founded	192x
Headquarters	New York City

Local 802 is a labor union representing professional musicians in New York City, affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians and active across orchestras, Broadway, recordings, and media. It functions as an employer-negotiated bargaining unit, negotiates contracts with major venues and producers, and provides benefits and services to members. The organization intersects with prominent institutions, performers, and cultural venues in the New York performing arts scene.

History

The roots of the local trace back to labor movements involving performers in the early 20th century, interacting with figures such as George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Igor Stravinsky, Duke Ellington, and institutions like Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, and NBC. Early organizing paralleled actions by the American Federation of Labor and encounters with employers including Roxy Theatre management and producers from Broadway theatre houses associated with names like Florenz Ziegfeld and Richard Rodgers. Political moments linked the local to wider events involving leaders such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and policies like the New Deal. Mid-century disputes reflected changes in recording technology tied to companies like Columbia Records, RCA Victor, and studios in Hollywood, while cultural shifts involved artists including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and venues such as the Apollo Theater and Blue Note Jazz Club. Later decades saw interactions with organizations such as SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity Association, The Recording Academy, and municipal entities like the Mayor of New York City’s office.

Membership and Organization

Membership comprises orchestral musicians, Broadway pit players, studio recording artists, pit contractors, and freelance session players who perform for employers including Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera House, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, and major touring companies like The Rockettes. Governance features elected officers, trustees, committees, and staff engaging with bodies such as the American Federation of Musicians national executive, regional councils, and pension trustees connected to retirement plans for performers. The local works with unionized ensembles including the New York City Ballet Orchestra, the Joffrey Ballet, the New York Pops, and chamber groups affiliated with venues like Alice Tully Hall and institutions such as Columbia University and New York University. Membership categories relate to contracts with producers such as Disney Theatrical Group, Roundabout Theatre Company, and commercial entities like CBS, ABC, NBCUniversal, and streaming services.

Collective Bargaining and Contracts

Collective bargaining covers agreements with Broadway producers, symphony orchestras, recording studios, television networks, film production companies, and event promoters including Live Nation, AEG Presents, and theater owners like Nederlander Organization. Contracts address wages, work rules, health and pension benefits administered with funds involving trustees and actuaries, and residuals in dealings touching SoundExchange and union arrangements with The Recording Academy. Negotiations reference standards set by peer unions such as Actors' Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, and international counterparts like Musicians' Union (UK). Dispute resolution has involved arbitration panels, labor boards, and legal filings with entities like the National Labor Relations Board and municipal labor relations agencies tied to the City of New York.

Political Activity and Advocacy

Advocacy work engages elected officials including the Mayor of New York City, members of the United States Congress, and state legislators in the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate. The union has lobbied on legislation affecting performers, funding for cultural institutions like Kennedy Center and National Endowment for the Arts, and arts education initiatives linked to agencies such as the Department of Cultural Affairs (New York City). It has allied with coalitions including Music Artists Coalition, City Arts Coalition, and labor federations such as the AFL-CIO and Coalition of Broadway Unions. Campaigns have intersected with high-profile advocacy by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, and policy debates involving copyright law and organizations such as the United States Copyright Office.

Services and Programs

Member services include negotiation support, pension and health funds, legal assistance, training and workshops with partners like Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, Mannes School of Music, and career referral services connecting players to orchestras, Broadway productions, recording sessions, and television work with networks such as PBS, HBO, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Studios. Educational outreach and community programs collaborate with cultural institutions such as Lincoln Center Education, Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute, and community organizations including SummerStage and Young Audiences Arts for Learning. Benefits management coordinates with entities like the American Federation of Musicians and Employers' Pension Fund and unions such as Teamsters on cross-union initiatives.

Notable Strikes and Disputes

Major labor actions have involved high-visibility disputes and strikes with Broadway producers, recording companies, and promoters, affecting productions at theaters operated by groups like Shubert Organization, Nederlander Organization, and Jujamcyn Theaters. Conflicts have intersected with national campaigns led by unions including Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA and have drawn public attention alongside protests in locations such as Times Square and rallies at chambers like New York City Council hearings. Historic standoffs referenced negotiations involving prominent conductors, managers, and producers linked to orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, with visible participation from musicians who have collaborated with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Sting, Alicia Keys, and Herbie Hancock.

Category:Trade unions in New York City