CFM - Chicago Federation of Musicians

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! 🌭🎆🗽

Today, the State of Illinois's new Freelance Worker Protection Act goes into effect. Starting July 1, 2024, the Freelance Worker Protection Act provides new protections for freelance workers including the right to a written contract, protection from intimidation and harassment, timely payment, and access to recourse in the event of a violation.

Additionally, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has just launched their "Creative Worker Rights: Art is Labor" campaign and is hosting a series of webinars for creative workers and employers alike. Learn more on their website:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/creative_work.html

Show your Solidarity this Independence Day, remember to buy Union-made when checking off your shopping list! ✊🎆

Happy PRIDE to all of our members! 🌈✨

Before you head out to enjoy the parade this weekend, take a moment to read more about the contributions of Q***r activists in the Labor Movement, and the ways in which Unions have advance employment equity amongst LGBTQ people:

"Labor unions have been instrumental in securing workplace rights for LGBTQ+ individuals and offering essential protection that has often been overlooked. Before state and federal anti-discrimination laws, unions negotiated fair practices within their contracts, paving the way for broader societal and workplace equality.

The contributions of q***r activists to the labor movement are ongoing. Today, q***r labor activists fight for comprehensive anti-discrimination protections, health care benefits that include gender-affirming care, and fair wages. These practices have led to significant legislative victories and improved workplace policies, demonstrating the importance of intersectional advocacy."

Q***r Liberation in the Labor Movement | CLASP Pride is a time of celebration and acknowledging the resilience and societal contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, including in the workplace. Historically, q***r individuals have significantly advanced workers’ rights and pushed for greater workplace inclusivity.

A huge congratulations to D-Composed Chicago and their Founder and Executive Director, Kori Coleman for this wonderful feature on Chicago Today! Special shoutout to CFM board member, Caitlin Edwards who can be seen playing violin in the segment, along with CFM members, Tahirah Whittington on cello and Wilfred Farquharson on viola! 🎻🎉

D composed: Chicago Black chamber music collective redefines classical music Founded in 2017, the Chicago-based Black chamber music collective celebrates Black culture and creativity through the compositions of Black musicians, bridging past and present to shape the future of representation.

Say hello to Bubbles! Bubbles is an adorable rescue dog we met at the PAWS Chicago 5k Walk/Run for Their Lives last year. Bubbles wants you to STOP SCROLLING and sign up to join TEAM CFM's fundraising efforts this year (Just LOOK at that FACE). 🐶

We'd love as to have as many runners and walkers join our team as are able, but if you're not able to join in the fun, please consider making a donation in support of Bubbles and friends. 🐾

More information available here: https://donate.pawschicago.org/team/573625

Happy National Donut Day! Here at the CFM office, we're big fans of Bennison's Bakery in Evanston. Who's got your favorite donuts in Chicagoland? 🍩

Congratulations to the musicians of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra on ratifying their new collective bargaining agreement. A big welcome to the AFM - American Federation of Musicians newest orchestra!

The deadline for applications for MPTF's Scholarship Program has been extended to June 30th! Encourage the young musician in your life to apply by visiting: https://shorturl.at/ZVrgk

Are you new to Chicago, looking for career guidance, or wanting to make more connections within the Union? 📢

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you should apply to the CFM's Mentorship Program! This is an opportunity to work closely with union members and leadership, with the goals of gaining practical advice on moving your career forward and also helping craft the future of our union. ☑️

No work is guaranteed by participation in this program, but the purpose is to help mentees find ways to create more opportunities for themselves. ✨

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/veoMHPTmczqHwWsz8

Have more questions? Contact any member of the FEPC:

Bobby Everson, Board Member Liaison
Catie Hickey
Vannia Phillips
James Sanders
Renée Vogen
John Bruce Yeh

PRIDE MONTH is just around the corner. If you're a CFM member who is interested in participating in the Chicago Pride Parade , consider signing up to march with Chicago Federation of Labor! Details below. Happy (almost) Pride!✊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

CFM wishes a safe and Happy Memorial Day to all of our members and extends special gratitude to all those who have served.

Mark your calendars! Join our friends from the Chicago Federation of Labor on Wednesday, May 29 for an event recognizing and honoring the contributions of the Asian American & Pacific Islander community to the labor movement.

The program will include NALC Branch 11 Director of City Delivery Tyrone Valdez, the son of a Filipino Pullman Porter, presenting artifacts to the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum and sharing stories from his father's days as a Pullman Porter.

RSVP at this link: https://tinyurl.com/4y8ty5pp

Congratulations to CFM Senior Board Member, Rich Daniels for being honored by Chicago Jazz Philharmonic with the Founders Award at the THINK BIG Gala last week!

Also, a huge shout out to CFM member Mark Smith for receiving the Jazz Alive Educators Award. CFM is proud to celebrate the many accomplishments of our membership.

Have an accomplishment you're excited to share? Let us know!🎉

An enormous thank you to everyone who came and supported our 9th Annual THINK BIG! Gala last Thursday! It was a beautiful night that was experiential and filled with the magic of music! More pictures and videos to come, so stay tuned!

Congratulations to "Magic United", the costumed characters of Disneyland on voting to join Actors' Equity Association!

'Magic United': Disneyland characters vote to unionize Disneyland employees in California, including those who perform as characters from Mickey Mouse to Moana, have voted to unionize. The 1,700 workers will be represented by Actors' Equity Association.

Playing out this weekend? Pics or it didn’t happen! 📸

We’d love to see all of your faces in the Intermezzo Magazine, so tag us in photos from wherever you’re playing this weekend (or email them to [email protected])!

Congratulations to CFM member Kaylan Pathak who was featured last night on ABC7 Chicago as a part of their Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programming!

Naperville virtuoso drummer Kalyan Pathak brings expertise on tabla to Chicago, world stages Kalyan Pathak is an expert table player, a drum unique to India that he has been playing since he was a child.

Join our friends from the Illinois AFL-CIO for a special webinar addressing Mental Health Equity and The Labor Movement on Wednesday, May 15th at 4pm CT. Visit: https://bit.ly/3UIwPEs for additional information and registration.

Happy Birthday to Pete Seger! In Pete’s long life, he gave us so many wonderful songs that have helped fuel the labor movement. ✊🏼🪕

What’s your favorite Pete Seger tune?

Happy Birthday, Pete Seeger Pete Seeger would have turned 100 today. Few figures in American history have lived as influential and deeply radical lives as he did. Let's celebrate him today.

Honoring May Day and the birth of the American Labor Movement at the Haymarket Memorial, right outside of CFM Headquarters. Later we hosted the Illinois Labor History Society Annual Meeting where Finnbjörn A. Hermannsson, President if the Icelandic Confederation of Labor, and Sergio Aladio, President of the Truckers Union of Santa Fe, Argentina, spoke about their struggles and successes in the worldwide Labor Movement.

On May 1st, we celebrate International Workers in large part because of the Haymarket Massacre, which occurred in Haymarket Square, on the very city block where CFM's office is now located.

The date was chosen by the American Federation of Labor in honor of a general strike in the United States, which had begun on May 1, 1886, culminating in the Haymarket massacre four days later. The demonstration subsequently became a yearly event.

Join CFM in honoring the rich history of the labor movement in Chicago by stopping by the Chicago Haymarket Memorial at 175 N. Des Plaines Street for a Haymarket Martyrs memorial event at 4pm today.

This afternoon The Chicago Federation of Musicians Board of Directors welcomed guests from Arise Chicago to update us on their work with workers and faith communities to fight workplace injustice through education and organizing and advocating for public policy changes. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to connect with community partners who are fighting alongside us for justice in the workplace. Thanks for all of your work, Arise Chicago!

Seated left to right: Andy Fox, Reverend CJ Hawking, BJ Levy, Laura Garza, and Karen Suarez Flint

Standing left to right: John Floeter, Elizabeth Anderson, Caitlin Edwards, Joe Sonnefeldt, Janice MacDonald, Rich Daniels, Jim Gailloretto, and Bobby Everson

Our condolences to the family and friends of the great Sir Andrew Davis. Thank you, Maestro.

We hope Gateways Music Festival had a fantastic time in Chicago this week! If you missed CFM - Chicago Federation of Musicians Board Member, Caitlin Edwards (seated center) playing with D-Composed last night, there's still time to catch the Gateways Festival Orchestra featuring Take 6 and Anthony Parnther, conductor at Symphony Center this evening.

https://www.gatewaysmusicfestival.org/202324-chicago

Last week, CFM President BJ Levy attended the Senate Revenue Committee Subject Matter Hearing in support of The Music and Musicians Tax Credit and Jobs Act alongside Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

Read more about what the bill would do for musicians in Illinois and find instructions for how to reach out to your legislators to make your support known by visiting our website (link in comments).

Have you heard about what the Music and Musician Tax Credit and Jobs Act would do for musicians in Illinois? CFM needs YOUR help to support this incredibly important piece of legislation.

First, head to https://myreps.datamade.us to identify your state legislators. Then, copy and paste the text below into an email to let them know how much this bill would benefit working musicians in Illinois:
—————————————————————————————

Dear Legislators,

I am writing to express my support for the Music and Musicians Tax Credit and Jobs Act (SB 3395 Feigenholtz/ HB5759 Chung) and urge you to support this important piece of legislation. As a constituent and a member of the music community in Illinois, I believe this bill is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the state’s creative industries.

Musicians, music teachers, and other creative artists are integral to the fabric of Illinois’ economy. They contribute not only culturally, but also economically, providing jobs, boosting production capacity, and enhancing our state’s reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation. The Music and Musicians Tax Credit Jobs Act will protect and uplift these vital industries and professionals.

The bill’s provisions, such as the establishment of a 10% tax credit for companies engaged in music production and infrastructure projects related to music and theatre will incentivize investment in our creative sectors. Additionally, the creation of a music educator scholarship fund will ensure that future generations of music professionals have the support they need to thrive in Illinois.

It’s worth noting that similar programs in other states, such as Tennessee, New York, and Louisiana have generated millions in tax revenue, while supporting and promoting their local music industries. By passing this bill, Illinois has the opportunity to follow suit and reap the economic and cultural benefits of a vibrant music scene.

Furthermore, the bill’s emphasis on utilizing unionized labor for infrastructure projects aligns with our state’s commitment to fair wages and workforce development. By supporting projects that employ Illinois union musicians, composers, stage and sound hands, and tradespeople at a prevailing wage, we can ensure that our music industry remains strong and sustainable.

I urge you to stand with me,

Third Coast Music is really out there doing the good work. Had a wonderful night last night hosting a discussion with composers and musicians at the CFM.

Third Coast Music seeks to Build Chicago's First Scoring Stage Third Coast Music announces its ambitious mission to construct Chicago's inaugural Scoring Stage for music in film, TV, and indie production