AFM International Convention Adopts Blue Man Group Resolution

On July 18th, Susan Wallace addressed the 96th AFM international convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the request of Thomas Lee, International President, Equity was invited to share the story of the Blue Man Boycott Coalition at the AFM’s biennial convention. Support for the Blue Man Boycott from AFM locals in Canada and the United States was keen; the Coalition’s efforts were prominently recognized and commended from the over 500 convention delegates.

The following Resolution was unanimously adopted by the Convention:

 

 

July 20, 2005

EMERGENCY RESOLUTION TO THE 96TH AFM CONVENTION

Blue Man Group

WHEREAS, An historic Coalition exists consisting of Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA), The Toronto Musicians' Association, Local 149 of the AFM, and Locals 58 and 822 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); and

WHEREAS, The American Federation of Musicians has placed the Blue Man Group on the International Unfair List; and

WHEREAS, The Blue Man Group continues to refuse to bargain with any trade union in North America, let alone sign agreements; and

WHEREAS, Every major theatrical producer in Toronto adheres to agreements with Equity, AFM Local 149 and IATSE; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, That the 96th Convention of the American Federation of Musicians unequivocally supports and endorses the solidarity between the AFM, Canadian Actors Equity and IATSE, as demonstrated in Toronto, and calls on all members of the AFM to refuse to attend any production of Blue Man Group in North America; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Convention calls on all Locals of the AFM to encourage their local Trade Union Councils to support and sustain this boycott; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Convention calls on the Officers of this great union and the Delegates to the AFL-CIO convention to bring this message to the AFL-CIO and encourage that great organization to support, sustain and publicize a North American boycott of the Blue Man Group until Blue Man Group bargains agreements with Unions across North America.