Deborah Fleisher, 70

We are saddened to report that Deborah Fleisher has passed away. She had been a member of Local 655 since 1972. Deborah came from a family of musicians. Her father was the pianist Leon Fleisher, and like Deborah, her brother Richard also plays harp. In fact, Deborah took her first harp lessons from her grandmother! READ MORE

Last Month at the Local

Last month the scale committee met again to finalize a proposal; you can see the proposal in Official Business and the October meeting notice. The committee reviewed past scale increases, inflation statistics, and rates in comparable metropolitan areas in the south and came up with what they believe is a reasonable proposal. As cost of READ MORE

Membership Benefits

“Why doesn’t the union do something?” This is said a lot. The union is only as strong as its members. There are contracts on our website for any member to use. Using one would guarantee pay and give some security to whomever signs it. Legal counsel is available for members and we work constantly to READ MORE

That Union Thing

Cornell University dining, custodial, and maintenance staff went on strike in August. After ten days on strike, Cornell and the United Auto Workers reached an agreement that increases wages 21 to 25 percent over four years. The new contract also eliminates tiers and adds longevity bonuses. Dallas Black Dance Theatre dancers have been fired after READ MORE

Local and Industry News

The Orlando Ballet has named Bradley Renner as executive director. Renner has previously served as general manager and also director of development for the Joffrey Ballet and also as general manager of the Atlanta Ballet. He will assume his position in October. Palm Beach Opera has engaged Anna Netrebko to perform at its benefit concert READ MORE