2007 ROPA Conference ‐ San Francisco, CaliforniaLarry Gardner, ROPA Secretary
After the opening welcomes and roll call, the 2007 ROPA conference began with a speech by AFM President Tom Lee. President Lee updated us on the AFM convention, the personnel changes in the AFM New York Symphonic Services Division (SSD) office, AFM’s legislative actions—including getting a boycott exemption for Pernambuco wood (used in string instrument bows), successfully influencing Delta Airlines to adopt a more musician‐friendly policy for carrying instruments onto airplanes, and the AFM’s work on obtaining a recording right for U.S. musicians. Pres. Lee also explained his philosophy of creating an all‐inclusive union by getting everybody represented in a room in order to build a consensus for moving forward in a united way.
Labor Journalist Dick Meister gave a fascinating presentation on labor history, including some historical photographs from San Francisco. On Wednesday we were instructed on a different way of looking at negotiating and problem solving called “Skills for Bargaining and Leadership” by Miki Kashtan from Bay Area Non Violent Communication. Later, Nathan Kahn and Patricia Polach gave a grievance workshop and Debbie Newmark spoke about various symphonic recording agreements. On Thursday Patricia Polach delivered two sessions on Labor Law, and Laura Brownell and the SSD Staff, including Chris Durham, Nathan Kahn, Debbie Newmark and David Schoenbrun gave a general topic discussion of problem solving specific to collective bargaining in our industry.
The final guest presentation was by David Rosenfeld, an attorney for many California AFM locals, who spoke on the topic of “Offensive Bargaining.” Rosenfeld was careful to point out in the beginning that this type of bargaining is not intended for normal “good faith” bargaining but rather for times when the union is up against an unscrupulous employer who is attempting to break the union through unfair bargaining, “surface” bargaining, or some other less than honorable means.
On Tuesday afternoon we started our “breakout” sessions, where each orchestra delegate attended in a group with their assigned Member‐at‐Large. Each delegate gave a 10 or 15 minute report on their orchestra’s activities and challenges from the preceding year. The following are recurring topics of interest selected from our breakout sessions, which were identified for further discussion in “Topic Breakouts,” including strategies for improving the specific situation.
Shrinking OrchestrasThis is “downsizing” – smaller orchestras, erosion of the bargaining unit, often with a reduction in the number of services.
Building a Relationship with the BoardThis group discussed the importance of developing better communication with your orchestra’s board of directors.
Strengthening Your LocalA brainstorm session took place to develop ideas how the orchestra committee, and the musicians of the orchestra, can help keep their Local vital.
Long Range PlanningA large group of delegates discussed musician involvement in orchestra “Long Range Planning” committees, and other orchestra board or management committees; and the importance of maintaining a process for representation of the entire body of musicians whenever serving on any committee.
Unifying Your OrchestraAnother group talked about ideas for keeping the musicians in the orchestra organized and well informed.
Pit OrchestrasThis group discussed problems specific to working in the pit performing operas and ballets.
The ROPA Delegates approved Dayton, Ohio as the 2009 conference location. The 2008 conference is schedule for Houston, Texas provided the ROPA Conference Committee is able to find suitable accommodations.
Carla Lehmeier was elected as the new ROPA Vice President. Re‐elected by acclamation for new terms were Secretary Larry Gardner and Delegate‐at‐Large to the AFM Convention Gary Lasley. Newly elected Members‐at‐large are Tim Judd and Paul Austin. Re‐elected Members‐at‐large are Nadège Foofat and Sherill Roberts. Continuing on the board are President Tom Fetherston, Treasurer Dennis Danders, Members‐at‐large Laurien Jones and Nancy Nelson and Leading Tone Editor Amy Morris.
The ROPA Executive Board wishes to express its appreciation to Debbie Spangler, our conference host, and Locals 6, 153, and 292, our host locals, along with their respective Presidents David Schoenbrun, Beth Zare, and Bob Williams.
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