PREMIUM SUBSIDY PURSUANT TO THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT In accordance with a law enacted on February 17, 2009, the Federal government now provides a 65% COBRA premium subsidy for eligible employees who are involuntarily terminated from employment between

In the 2009-2010 New York State Budget, Governor Paterson seeks to impose a $1 tax fee for every medical, dental, or vision claim or prescription drug benefit over $20. The New York State Budget must be approved by the New

The “stars” of “Wonder Pets!” From left, Turtle Tuck, Linny the Guinea Pig and Ming-Ming Duckling. Musicians who work for the children’s TV show “Wonder Pets!” are set to achieve their first union contract, ending a campaign that began more

It’s a scary moment in history. The recession has affected the livelihoods of everyone.  Many of us have pinned some hope on President Obama’s stimulus plan — the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — signed on Feb. 17.  The stimulus

The images of the Cuyahoga River on fire were a wake-up call to many Americans. Earth Day is around the corner (it’s April 22) – and to the extent that any of us pay attention to it, it’s a pretty

Can words have history? In the world of union contracts, the answer is yes. Almost every phrase or topic in a union contract can be said to have a “collective bargaining history.” It is literally the history of how the

As musicians, we constantly face the fear of repetitive stress injuries and hope that it never happens to us. Well, that fear came true for me four years ago when I was diagnosed with focal hand dystonia. About a year

The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters published here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. Letters must be 300 words or less. Send them to Allegro, c/o Local

CANNED ‘CLEOPATRA’ IN DALLAS We don’t think Cleopatra would be amused. AFM Local 72-147 (Dallas-Ft. Worth) is protesting the use of canned music in the ballet “Cleopatra.” The Texas Ballet Theatre paid $30,000 for the National Ballet of China to

Drummer Wade Barnes, pianist Bertha Hope, vocalist Siena, 802 Jazz Rep Todd Weeks, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Jerome Jennings gather last spring in honor of legendary bassist and longtime 802 member, Leonard Gaskin (seated). Gaskin, 88, died on  Jan.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 Meeting called to order at 11:05 p.m. Present: President Landolfi, Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Fein, Giannini, Johansen, Norrell, Rizzo, Schwartz and Jazz Advisory Committee Liaison Owens.  Recording Vice President

Many years ago I was invited to a press party at a midtown loft. There were people there from the worlds of jazz and the Broadway theatre … musicians, writers, actors and dancers. The room was packed from wall to