Union Plus is a non-profit and the only consumer benefits organization created and endorsed by the AFL-CIO. Union Plus benefit programs are exclusively for union members (current and retired) and their families. Union Plus offers Hardship Help, as well as financial products, home and auto programs, insurance products, shopping discounts, travel perks, and more. Good news! On October 21, it was announced that registration for the Spring 2023 term opens on October 25, 2022, for continuing students and shortly thereafter for new students. For the full announcement and for past updates please visit: https://egcc.edu/press-release/. Summary of Timeline of Events: On July 25, AGMA was informed that Union Plus' Free College pro... Read More -->

AREA MEETING REMINDER! The Midwest Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually on Monday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT. Today, members of the Area were sent a REMINDER email with more information and a link to register. Those who registered prior to receiving the reminder, do not need to do so again. ... Read More -->

The Source Grow Grant provides $10,000 grants to Cooks County small businesses, coupled with advising and coaching services, to foster their recovery and resiliency from the pandemic, scale their operations, and thrive in Cook County. A free informational session for those who'd like to learn more about The Source Grow Grant will be held on Friday, October 28 at 9:00 a.m. local time. Offered in partnership with the League of Chicago Theatres and the Chicago Federation for Musicians, this webinar will provide detailed information on The Source Grow Grant. Join to get questions answered about eligibility requirements, program priorities, required documentation, and more. This session will be led by the Wome... Read More -->

Today and every day we recognize the talent, majesty, and artistry of AGMA’s members. One essential function of our union is creating circumstances and environments where our members are empowered to do their best work and create incredible works of art. That responsibility is a true honor and we love seeing our members on stage. Today we celebrate opera! Happy World Opera Day 2022! ... Read More -->

A one-year extension between AGMA and Lyric Opera of Chicago was approved by AGMA leadership, after being ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS: PRINCIPAL ARTISTS: Up-front advance payment to per performance Principal Artists of 20% of their contracted fees paid on their first day at Lyric Opera with the remaining 80% split with each performanceA delineation of the tax status (1099 or W2) for Principal Artists and a breakdown of any fees, per diem or housing payments at the time of contractingReimbursement of housing expenses (if included in your contract) and flight expenses (including checked bags and a choice of seats) incurred by Principal Artists which can be... Read More -->

AREA MEETING REMINDER! The San Francisco Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually – over Zoom – on Thursday, November 3, at 6:00 p.m. PT. Members of the Area received a reminder email today (10/24) around 10:00 a.m. PT with more information and a link to register. Any members who had already registered prior to receiving the reminder do not need to do again. Area meetings are an opportunity for AGMA members to come together with their fellow local members to meet, connect, and discuss common issues. Sam Wheeler, AGMA’s National Executive Director, will be there. He will provide an update on the state of the Union and wants to hear directly from Area members too. ... Read More -->

Next week, AGMA will be hosting “An Intro to AGMA”, a live member orientation and informational webinar, on Thursday, October 27. Members are welcome to join the webinar at 10:00 a.m. ET or 9:00 p.m. ET on October 27. Anyone who has already registered does not need to do so again! “An Intro to AGMA” will cover everything from the history of AGMA and its structure, to the basics of joining AGMA, to why workers form unions and how they create collective power. The webinar will be presented by Griff Braun, AGMA's National Organizing Director. This is open to all AGMA members in good standing, from brand-new members to members who haven't been able to attend an in-person orientation yet to longtime members th... Read More -->

Southern California Area Members: SAVE THE DATE! The SoCal Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually – over Zoom – on Wednesday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m. PT. Members of the area were sent an email today around 12:00 p.m. PT with more information and a link to register! Area meetings are an opportunity for AGMA members to come together with their fellow local members to meet, connect, and discuss common issues. Sam Wheeler, AGMA’s National Executive Director, will be there. He will provide an update on the state of the Union and wants to hear directly from Area members too. ... Read More -->

Back in August, the Stage Managers’ Association (SMA) announced that AGMA President Ray Menard will be one of three distinguished 2022 recipients of the Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management. The Del Hughes Awards Event will take place on Monday, October 24, 2022, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. ET. Corporate, event, and theatrical stage manager Andrew Feigin and theatrical stage manager Bernita Robinson are also being honored alongside President Menard. In addition to these Lifetime Achievement Awards, the SMA will honor Marguerite Price with The Founders Award and Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter with a Special Recognition Award. For anyone interested in tuning in, the Eventbrite link to register for ... Read More -->

Northwest Area Members: SAVE THE DATE! The Northwest Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually – over Zoom – on Tuesday, November 15, at 6:00 p.m. PT. Members of the area were sent an email today around 12:00 p.m. PT with more information and a link to register! Area meetings are an opportunity for AGMA members to come together with their fellow local members to meet, connect, and discuss common issues. Sam Wheeler, AGMA’s National Executive Director, will be there. He will provide an update on the state of the Union and wants to hear directly from Area members too. ... Read More -->