[Fmpro] Unions

[MVPROD@aol.com]

Rick.

I agree, the RMALA is in fact a very powerful influence on the AFM. That 
actually came about because the Federation was so inept the RMA in general and 
RMALA needed to be formed. I agree that it (RMA) may not have represented ALL the 
recording musicians and they are also not that much better at listening to 
rank and file (especially the non "chosen") members. However one must remember 
that the Federation really does not understand how to represent musicians to 
the musicians advantage and will almost always acquiesce to management. The AFM 
and RMA are our forum now and though they need to change I don't see how else 
to do it except within the organizations.

Mike

> Mike,
>   
> I think you make a reasoned argument and under other circumstances I might 
> agree with you.  The problem is that the AFM is doing the bidding of the 
> RMALA, presumably because it needs the revenue, and the RMALA having hijacked the 
> union is driving all the work out of town.  AFM dependence on RMA money has 
> corrupted the union.  The union is acting in its own interests and not the 
> interests of the LA rank-and-file, in my opinion.  In that sense they are 
> certainly coercive in protecting a bunch of egotistical, overpaid, no buyouts 
> anytime for any reason RMALA members -- at the expense of many many musicians 
> trying to make a very modest living.
>   
> I have to run -- I'd be happy to discuss it more with you.
>   
> Rick