Local 802 (New York City)

Local 802 (New York City)
Name	Local 802
Affiliation	American Federation of Musicians
Founded	1919
Location country	United States
Headquarters	New York City
Members	~7,500
Key people	Matthew D. Loeb; Andrew J. H. Spivy

Local 802 (New York City) is the New York City chapter of the American Federation of Musicians representing professional musicians in orchestras, theaters, recording studios, and venues across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Founded in the early 20th century, it has negotiated landmark agreements affecting the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Broadway theatre, and freelance musicians working with institutions such as the Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and broadcast organizations including NBC and CBS. Local 802 interacts with labor organizations like the AFL–CIO and cultural institutions including the Juilliard School and the New York City Ballet.

History

Local 802 emerged amid labor movements and cultural shifts in the 1910s and 1920s, paralleling struggles seen in the American Federation of Labor, International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, and other trade organizations. Early campaigns engaged performers at venues such as the Apollo Theater, Radio City Music Hall, and vaudeville circuits associated with the Keith-Albee-Orpheum chain. The chapter negotiated during eras shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, and the postwar expansion of radio and television, with disputes involving broadcasters like CBS Television Network and venues operated by the Shubert Organization. Significant mid-century actions intersected with artists associated with the Metropolitan Opera House and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, while later decades saw activism around recording technologies pioneered by companies like RCA Victor and labels such as Columbia Records.

Organization and Leadership

Local 802 functions as a democratic local within the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, with an elected leadership structure including a president, executive board, and officers. Notable leaders have included activists who negotiated with entities like the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and municipal figures such as former mayors Fiorello H. La Guardia and Michael Bloomberg on cultural policy. Leadership has engaged with legal bodies like the National Labor Relations Board and municipal labor relations frameworks, and collaborated with unions such as the Actors' Equity Association, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Membership and Demographics

Membership spans symphonic musicians of the New York Philharmonic, principal players affiliated with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, musical theater pit musicians on Broadway, freelance studio players for labels like Motown and Atlantic Records, and educators at institutions including the Mannes School of Music and Columbia University. Demographics reflect international recruitment from conservatories such as the Curtis Institute of Music and the Royal College of Music, and include members engaged in genres from classical to jazz associated with clubs like Birdland and labels like Blue Note Records. The roster has evolved with immigration patterns tied to policy shifts under presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, and with cultural movements linked to venues like the Village Vanguard.

Collective Bargaining and Contracts

Local 802 negotiates collective bargaining agreements covering orchestras, theaters, studios, and recording sessions, setting standards for wages, pensions, health benefits, and working conditions. Contracts with institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Broadway producers affect engagements at houses like the St. James Theatre and companies like the Shubert Organization. Bargaining has addressed technological issues involving recording formats introduced by Sony Music and Warner Music Group, and royalty arrangements tied to performance rights organizations including ASCAP and BMI. Disputes have sometimes proceeded to arbitration or litigation in venues like the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Political Activities and Advocacy

Local 802 engages in political advocacy on labor law, arts funding, and cultural policy with elected officials from the New York City Council, the New York State Legislature, and national bodies including members of the United States Congress. The local has campaigned for municipal support for venues such as Carnegie Hall, for emergency relief during crises comparable to actions sought from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and for legislation affecting freelancers similar to measures debated in the New York State Assembly. Alliances have included coalitions with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations and arts advocacy groups like the League of American Orchestras.

Programs, Services, and Benefits

The union administers health and pension plans negotiated with employers and sponsors training and career services connecting members to opportunities at institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. It supports legal assistance in disputes involving organizations such as MSG Entertainment and offers professional development tied to conservatories like the Mannes School of Music and programs akin to those at the Juilliard School. Benefits include negotiated residuals for recordings with companies like Universal Music Group and support during emergencies similar to relief distributed after events like the September 11 attacks.

Notable Events and Controversies

Local 802 has participated in high-profile strikes, protests, and contract showdowns with entities including the New York City Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and Broadway producers affiliated with the League of American Theatres and Producers. Controversies have involved pension disputes, clashes over technological changes in recording promoted by corporations like Apple Inc., and debates over jurisdictional lines with unions such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Public actions have drawn coverage alongside cultural debates involving figures from the Metropolitan Opera administration to producers in the Broadway community.

Category:Trade unions based in New York City Category:American Federation of Musicians