TTC Newsletter #4 - April 2025
Check out our April 2025 edition for the opening message from our TTC Chairperson, Bill Leary (Back to the Future). Read on to see what TTC officers have to say about contract issues and enjoy commentary about life on the road from other stewards and travelers, including the latest updates.
MESSAGE FROM TTC CHAIRPERSON
Well spring has finally sprung! Thank goodness!! Life on the road can get pretty taxing during the winter months. Cold pits (well that can happen in the summer too to be quite frank). Dry conditions, lips chapping, freezing cold walks to the venue, snow storms, (maybe we’ll get an extra golden day?) being stuck in your hotel room for more time than one would like. Now that spring is here, we can enjoy those walks to the theater a little more, and it makes exploring the cities all the more enticing. As we approach the two-year anniversary of the TTC (May 5) I’d like to say how thankful I am for this organization. The amount of support via the whatsapp chats, and bi-monthly zoom meetings is pretty astounding. I still feel new out here (10 months on the road now) and have learned so much from all of you. It’s a pretty amazing community and I feel we truly have each other's backs while out here performing across the country. With that being said it’s important to keep an eye on the prize, that being the 2027 negotiations for pamphlet B/set tours. Let’s keep up with the surveys and gather as much data as we can that can help us when we get to the table for negotiations. We have a unique set of concerns while being on the road that have in the past been possibly overlooked. Health and safety protocols, hearing and decibel levels, the electronic music technology concerns, full company and rule 24 layoff support, housing/per diem, instrument transport/travel issues and much more. Together we can foster a better road life and touring conditions. Where it was once deemed the Wild West, through this group we can come together in a more homogenous community and have our concerns heard! Lastly, I would also like to announce that I’ve appointed Kami Lujan as a new TTC officer. Kami will be jumping on board as our new co-secretary. As Julie has become very busy with life back in NYC, don’t worry she will still be involved, we just wanted to have the role covered when she might not be able to make meetings due to her busy and successful career off the road. Welcome aboard Kami!! Looking forward to seeing everyone on the bi-monthly zoom calls and whatsapp chats - Bill Leary Chairperson.
Check your paystubs for per diem/housing increases effective June 2nd!
The next per diem increase is here! Check your paystubs to make sure you receive the correct per diem/housing payments. On June 2, 2025, per diem increases from $65 to $66 per day, while housing will increase to $172 per day. Additionally, the housing cap will increase to $177 for all engagements in San Francisco and New York, and for engagements of less than 4 weeks in Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Washington D.C. It’s tax time! Remember, per diem and reimbursements are not taxable income. For questions about per diem/housing increases or other concerns, please contact George Fiddler at gfiddler@afm.org or call (917) 229-0231.
Who are the AFM panel members on the Pamphlet B “LM” (Electronic Music Labor Management) committee?
The Pamphlet B/SET bargaining unit anticipates holding a series of conversations (TTC discussion forums) with appointed LM panel members to share concerns about electronic replacement technologies. Members of the AFM panel appointed by Federation President Tino Gagliardi to serve on the joint Pamphlet B/Broadway League “LM” committee include: Mike Epperhart (AFM Theatrical Trade Negotiator), Heather Boehm (TMA President), Isaac Hayward (Local 802), Christian Regul (Funny Girl Tour), Tim Morey (Wicked Tour). On Friday, Feb.7, 2025, the AFM panel met with the League for the first time. Mike Epperhart reported that the meeting was a productive first session. According to panel participants, the League opened the meeting with a statement, it’s the producer’s job to uphold integrity while balancing the business and artistic needs of the tour. They also stated that it’s the composer/orchestrator who requests touring band reductions, not the producers. Members of the AFM panel suggested that one important takeaway from the meeting is that at the heart of the matter rests the substantial problem that unlike NYC Broadway theatres, tours do not have minimums, which makes them very vulnerable to reduction and replacement. To ensure all members of the Pamphlet B/SET bargaining unit have the opportunity to speak with AFM panelists about their concerns, TTC officers are in the process of scheduling a series of discussion forums beginning in late April/early May. We hope many touring players will take the opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences, and expertise.
