Len DiCosimo, President of the American Federation of Musicians Local 4 and the North Shore Federation of Labor, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent NLRB petition by faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music for union representation from AFM Local 4. DiCosimo also discussed the summer Musical Rally schedule and the approval of a levy to support Cuyahoga Arts and Culture on the November ballot.
Recently, the Cleveland Institute of Music faculty petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to authorize the American Federation of Musicians Local 4 as their exclusive bargaining representative. The institute's faculty has talked about a desire to address financial equities, job security and more. DiCosimo talked about the issues that have been growing with the faculty senate recently voting no confidence in the school’s President and Provost. He spoke more about the relationship between the union and several members of the faculty and what a union could do for potential new members.
AFM Local 4 will host a Musical Rally featuring Alex Bevan and Friends this summer. DiCosimo talked about the rally's purpose and what it will celebrate. The recent Federal Aviation Administration Grant given to Geauga County Airport will be included in the celebrations. He said that the first event is Sunday, June 30, in the Gazebo on the Square in Chardon, Ohio.
Finally, DiCosimo discussed a motion to increase the cigarette tax to benefit the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture fund. The levy was unanimously approved by the Cuyahoga County Council and will be on the ballot this fall. DiCosimo explained the purpose and history of the levy and added that the taxes from the increased cigarette tax in Cuyahoga County will go to the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture grants.
To hear more from Dicosimo, listen to the show above.