Debunking the Myths About Fi-core / Beck Status

What is Fi-core/Beck status?

A person with Fi-core status is considered by the union to be a “dues paying non-member.” You retain certain rights of a member, including maintaining pension and health and welfare benefits. A person with Fi-core status can legally work union and non-union sessions/gigs.

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How do I assert my Fi-core/Beck status rights?

This process can be handled electronically or in person at the Local. There are two steps:

As a member in good standing, write a letter to the union saying you want to resign from the union in good standing and reapply for Fi-core/Beck status.
Submit a new membership application. Cross off “Membership” and write in “Fi-core/Beck Status.” The union cannot refuse or delay Fi-core/Beck Status and must give immediate effect to your application. If you belong to more than one Local, you must follow the same procedure with each. Your Local will inform you of your pro-rated Beck status dues.
It is recommended that you submit your application in person, or via certified mail so you have a written record of the application being received.

Important Fi-core/Beck Status details:

Fi-core musicians pay only that share of union dues chargeable for the cost of union administration, collective bargaining, contract representation and to matters that are germane to representation. Expenses involving political, social and ideological activities of the union are not chargeable. Fi-core musicians cannot attend union meetings, vote, or run for union office. The names of Fi-core musicians do not appear in the directory. However, Fi-core musicians hired on a union CBA are permitted to use union rehearsal facilities for that job.

Will I be discriminated against if I assert my Fi-core/Beck status rights?

No. Based on Federal labor law, it is illegal for a union or contractor to disclose your status or harass you based on your Fi-core/Beck Status.

Will I keep the valuable rights accumulated before electing Fi-core/Beck status?

Yes. You will retain your current pension and health care benefits, and continue receiving payments for reuse, foreign markets, and secondary market funds. No one can take that from you!

What if I don’t belong to a union?

No problem. Should you wish to work on a union job, the contractor will Taft-Hartley you into the union for that job and any other union jobs within a 30-day period. After that, if you wish to continue to do union and non-union work, you would simply apply for Fi-core/Beck Status. There is no need to join first and then resign. See above: “How do I assert my Fi-core/Beck status rights?”

Access the membership application on the AFM or SAG/AFTRA website (the Beck Status application is the same form as for membership). Cross off the word Membership and write in Beck Status. Sign in all necessary places. If you are a current union member, a resignation letter must accompany the application, such as, “I am resigning in good standing and applying for Beck Status in order to accept both union and non-union work without penalty or repercussion.” One loses voting rights, use of rehearsal space, and directory listing. However, union dues are reduced and new streams of work may increase. It is recommended that you submit your application in person, or via certified mail so you have a written record of the application being received.

For the Beck Status Application for Los Angeles, click http://www.promusic47.org/forms/AFM47app.pdf and follow the instructions listed above. For other cities, go to the website for the appropriate local in your city.

For more information on Fi-core/Beck status go to:
http://www.nrtw.org/RDA.htm | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_core | http://ficorecentral.com

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed on this website are in the form of advice and are decidedly non-authoritative. They should not be construed in any way as absolute or incontrovertible.

Ultimately, follow the advice on this website at your own risk. CMG Music Recording accepts no responsibility for interpretations of the material herein or their consequences.

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