Local 802 members are acutely aware of all our work in the music field — including our recent successful campaigns to win fair contracts for the musicians of Broadway and the MET Orchestra. This is how the public and most members see us, and that’s exactly the way it should be.

But not everyone is aware of the political relationships that we build behind the scenes. As we strengthen our bonds with elected leaders and other political allies, we build crucial power to achieve fair contracts for musicians as well as pass good laws that help our members. (Case in point: the many elected leaders who publicly supported the Broadway campaign. See here and here.)

This year, as part of my duties as political director, I was once again honored to represent Local 802 at the SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico. SOMOS is an annual gathering of New York’s labor, political, and activist communities. This year, the de facto guest of honor was mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who Local 802 was proud to be among our siblings in labor to support. By sending me in person to Puerto Rico, Local 802 showed its commitment to building relationships among diverse communities. I can tell you that I met many elected officials who appreciated Local 802’s overtures and who wanted to hear more about our issues.That kind of relationship building is a long-term investment in friendship and good will. It is easier to build larger coalitions if we show up to flagship conferences like SOMOS.

NO CUTS AT THE NEW SCHOOL!

In other news from my department, Local 802 added live music to a recent New School Labor Coalition rally that was protesting cuts and downsizing at the university, where Local 802 represents part-time jazz faculty. Check out this photo and video coverage. Besides the New School, other contracts on my table at the moment include: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Hoff Barthleson Music School accompanists and the Winterjazz Festival. Contact me at dpoint@local802afm.org if you have any questions about these contracts or any of our current organizing efforts.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL MCKEE

Michael McKee passed away on October 21, 2025, just 6 weeks shy of his 86th birthday. He was a longtime advocate for tenants’ rights and housing justice, and he was a good friend to Local 802. It was Michael’s final wish that his birthday celebration be a memorial fundraiser for Tenants PAC, the organization he founded and led for 28 years. Join Michael’s husband Eric Stenshoel, the Tenants PAC Board of Directors, elected officials and fellow tenants and allies from the statewide tenant movement as we celebrate Michael’s extraordinary life and legacy. Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 4pm to 8pm at 619 Lexington. More info here.