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Musicians of “Severance” win union contract

Volume 124, No. 5May, 2024

We’re excited to share the incredible news with our community! Thanks to their unwavering solidarity and determination, the musicians of “Severance” have successfully joined forces with our union, securing an AFM union contract for their recording and sidelining work on the show. We thank the production team and Fifth Season LLC for their enlightened attitudes that ensured we maintained labor peace throughout this process.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey that led to this momentous victory, from the initial concerns raised by musicians on Feb. 23 to their coordination efforts on Feb. 26 to bring awareness to the cause. Despite the challenges, they stood strong, sharing information (like what proper union scale would pay) and rallying together to draft an open letter to management.

The musicians’ perseverance paid off as their petition gained momentum and reached a majority of signers, demonstrating the overwhelming support for union representation. Special thanks to Local 802 recording rep Mary Contini, the AFM Organizing Department, and the entire Local 802 team for their dedication in facilitating meetings, strategizing, and coordinating efforts to ensure the voices of musicians were heard.

With this agreement, musicians have not only secured fair wages and protections but also highlighted the importance of collective action in the entertainment industry. Their unity serves as a beacon of hope for musicians everywhere, showing that together, we can achieve meaningful change.

To our colleagues at “Severance” and the production team, we extend our appreciation for recognizing the rights of musicians and for coming to the table to negotiate in good faith. This victory showcases the positive impact of collaboration and dialogue in creating a fair and equitable workplace. We also thank WGA East and SAG-AFTRA for their steadfast union solidarity.

To other musicians in the NYC area who want to improve their gigs or stand up for their rights, we encourage you to reach out to us at @musicians_of_ny (on Instagram), @Local802AFM (on Facebook), @Local_802_AFM (on Twitter/X), @Local802AFM (on TikTok) or at www.local802afm.org/hotline.

As we celebrate this milestone, let’s continue to stand in solidarity, supporting one another in our pursuit of dignity, respect, and fair treatment. Together, we are stronger!