Monthly Archives: May 2014

Mailing #4

It’s not complicated.

Vote NO, to keep 406 in the AFM                       Vote YES, – lose the AFM

… and continued participation in the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada is guaranteed. … and there are NO guarantees. MPF takes contributions from AFM employers only. Your pension will stop growing. Without MPF Canada, the Guilde must start up its own pension fund. MPF Canada has been building for 50 years nationwide. How long will it take Guilde leaders to replace it in just one province? And how long to vest? That’s a roll of the dice you can’t afford.
… and you retain access to fast, affordable P2 work permits for work in the United States. … and you stay home. The Guilde has promised “subsidized” work permits – which means you pay, along with the cost of an immigration lawyer, and wait how long?
… and your membership dues stay the same, as do your services. … and your dues may skyrocket. Both Provincial precedent and AFM Bylaws state if the Guilde disaffiliates, it must turn over all its assets (money and equipment) to the AFM. Overnight, the Guilde will have to replace all its money with new money, and fast, in order to keep staff and services. Where will the money come from? Your wallets.
… and, if you’re in an orchestra, bargain with management knowing that you have the strike fund at your back, funded by every major orchestra on the continent. … and, if you’re in an orchestra, bargain with management knowing that if you have to strike, you’re on your own. If the Guilde is out of the AFM, you’re out of the strike fund. Of course, the Guilde should create its own strike fund, but who would pay for it? You. And how long before it has enough money to help? Years.
… and you remain connected to and a part of the only national/international union dedicated to serving musicians. The AFM is a union run by musicians, for musicians, and the world knows it. When we speak with one voice, we speak with power. … and you are an island, surrounded by a sea of musicians no longer concerned with your welfare. Forget working in other locals for other employers. Forget about Guilde leaders being able to speak for you to the rest of the country. No one will listen to them, because they won’t have to.

Employees and other workers gain strength in their workplace by banding together for their common interests. Unions gain strength in their industries by combining resources and focusing their priorities. A YES vote is a step back to the Dark Ages. A NO vote is an affirmation of unity and solidarity, and a commitment toward an even better future.

 

Please visit cfmismyunion.ca to learn more.

An Open Letter from the Canadian Conference

An Open Letter from the Canadian Conference

May 12, 2014

Dear CFM/AFM Member.

The 406 Referendum Website contains a segment of a 2013 report prepared by the Executive Board of the Conference of Canadian CFM Locals and directed at the International Executive Board of the Federation. The selected language may create the impression that the CC Board is in favour of the disaffiliation by La Guilde des Musiciens et Musiciennes de Quebec from the AFM.

NOTHING IS FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH.

The CC Board is made up of experienced, dedicated and caring individuals who administer Locals across Canada. They are acutely aware of the reality that united we negotiate, but divided we beg. That applies to persons as well as provinces and nations.

It is in the interest of Canadian musicians, wherever they may reside or perform that they are represented by one strong united organisation rather than by two or more, not only from a labour representative perspective but also from a linguistic/cultural point of view.

The CC Board and the CFM National Office have played a significant role in informing the IEB of the unique cultural/labour circumstances that are in place in Quebec. The IEB has come a long way making considerable human and financial resources available to la Guilde.

Divided we are less efficient representing the interests of musicians in Canada, including in Quebec. United internationally we are infinitely stronger and more effective throughout North America.

Neither music nor financial interests recognise borders. Our representative horizon needs to be equally broad. As we are not convinced that this disaffiliation initiative is driven by the membership, we urge you to carefully consider the above sentiments.

If you require additional information, the CC Board and its members look forward to hearing from you.

Fraternally Yours

The Executive Board of the Canadian Conference of Musicians

musicians@bellnet.ca