Benefits

Why join Local 802? Musicians can achieve more pay, benefits, job security and respect with a union than if they try to negotiate separately on their own. Secondly, the union movement empowers all of us to work together for more justice, equality, diversity, inclusiveness and fairness in all of society – it’s a great way to be a part of social change. Thirdly, there are some core benefits in joining Local 802, which you can see below:

Resource Center

Curated links on information on member benefits and services, as well as entrepreneurship opportunities and social services available to New York musicians.

Health Care

Every time you work a union gig, your employer contributes to the Local 802 Musicians Health Fund on your behalf. If a certain amount of contributions are made on your behalf during a six-month Contribution Period, you will be eligible for health coverage during the corresponding six-month Coverage Period.

Pension

Every time you work a union gig, your employer contributes to the American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund on your behalf. The Fund allows musicians to accumulate individual pension credits throughout their careers and secure a financially sustainable retirement.

Rehearsal Space Rental

Access to rehearsal space rental at Local 802 at reduced rates (ranging from $10/hour to $70/hour depending on the day and time.) To reserve rehearsal space, contact Maureen Cupid-Pierre at 212-245-4802 ext. 111.

Online Member Directory

You’re eligible to create a profile on NewYorkMusicians.com, Local 802’s Online Memory Directory, through which employers can hire you for engagements, from weddings to teaching artist gigs, under union contracts. For more info, contact Julie Ferrara.

Musicians’ Assistance Program

All Local 802 members and their families are eligible for MAP, a free and confidential program administered and professionally staffed by The Actors Fund. The program’s services include counseling, referrals, and resources for anything ranging from personal, family, and work issues and substance abuse to childcare, elder care, financial assistance, legal services, and work/life seminars on topics like financial management and healthcare.

Emergency Relief Fund

After two years of union membership, all active Local 802 members are eligible for assistance from the Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund if they’re experiencing extreme financial hardship. The ERF can connect you to appropriate services through MAP or help you pay off an expense, such as gas, electric, or telephone cut-off, eviction, medical debts, costs incurred due to the theft of instruments, auto repairs, etc.

Union Organizers and Business Representatives

Assistance to resolve issues at your workplace, win and enforce union contracts. Contact Principal Business Representative Todd Weeks.

Actors Federal Credit Union

You’re eligible to join the Actors Federal Credit Union as an 802 member. An AFCU branch is located on the 4th floor of Local 802. AFCU is owned and run by its members, meaning any net income earned is returned to members in the form of dividends on deposits or discounted loan pricing, including affordable instrument loans.

Instrument Insurance

There are a number of insurance policies Local 802 members can access through the AFM. The instrument insurance policy allows coverage for your equipment for theft or when it’s off premises or in transit. To learn more about the plan, log into the above link with a MyAFM account, which all AFM members are eligible to create.

Unclaimed Checks Pick-Up

Local 802 collects checks for our members from the Sound Recording Special Payments Fund, the Film Musicians Secondary Market Fund, the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Fund, SoundExchange, AARC, and the escrow fund of New York State. Pick up your checks from the Electronic Media Checks Window on the 2nd floor of Local 802 from 10AM-4:30PM on all weekdays except for Wednesday, when the window is open until 5:30PM.

Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians

The Memorial Fund is a charitable trust fund that provides financial aid to disabled AFM members on an emergency basis. To learn more about the Memorial Fund and how to apply for aid, log into your MyAFM account, which all AFM members are eligible to create.

Anne Walker Scholarship Fund

Each year, Anne Walker Scholarships are awarded to members of Local 802 and their children who are pursuing the study of music at an institution of higher learning. The deadline to apply each year is typically in early May.

Music Performance Trust Fund

Funding is available for musical performances meeting certain guidelines set by the Recording Industries Music Performance Fund. A co-sponsor is required. Contact MPTF administrator Marisa Friedman for more information.

Free Legal Advice

Our members are entitled to free legal advice and, in some instances, representation. If you have legal questions, contact Harvey Mars, counsel to Local 802.

Free Pilates Classes

Through our partnership with The Actors Fund, Local 802 members can sign up for free Pilates classes for musicians, aimed toward improving your endurance, helping you stop masking performance pain, and more. To find out when the next eight-week session starts and register, email tshapiro@actorsfund.org.