Earlier this year, I had a good conversation with Clearwater where we came to an agreement that was much more amicable than our last. This is how negotiations should be.
We agreed to a three year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with concessions on both sides, ones with which we could all live. On our end, we are continuing to guarantee and further the security of folk musicians who play at this festival and similar festivals. We are also securing good working conditions for all musicians, union or not.
Our intention, of course, is to show that the union makes us stronger and all folk musicians should be aware of the value of the AFM in their lives and in their work. Through Collective Bargaining Agreements with Clearwater and the many other festivals with whom we negotiate, we are working for you and with you, hand in hand.
You can do your part by talking to the festival promoters with whom you work, encouraging them to shake hands with Local 1000, work with Local 1000 to provide a pension contribution, equitable working conditions and a future for the artists we so love and so honor in this venerable world of folk music.
In solidarity,
Tret Fure – President of Local 1000
2013 Great Labor Arts Exchange and Accompanying Songwriting Contest