Fi-core
Ficore/Beck
Debunking the myths
What is Fi-core/Beck?
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 who has asserted their Fi-core rights can legally work union and non-union sessions/gigs.
How do I assert my Fi-core/Beck 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 of resignation to the union saying you want to resign from the union in good standing and assert your Fi-core/Beck rights.
- Submit a copy of this letter found on the National Right to Work Foundation’s website, be sure to personalize it first.
- Submit a new membership application. IMPORTANT: Cross off “Membership” and write in “Fi-core/Beck”. If you do not do this step, you will simply be submitting a new application for full membership. The union cannot refuse or delay this Fi-core/Beck process 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 prorated Beck dues. Per the National Right to Work Foundation, your right to be a dues-paying nonmember of a labor union, and to pay a reduced fee in lieu of full union dues, is a right protected by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act and not fewer than three Supreme Court decisions. Violations of these rights should be reported to the National Labor Relations Board.
- It is recommended that you submit your application in person, or via certified mail/receipt requested so you have a written record of the application being received.
Important Fi-core/Beck 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 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 benefits accumulated before asserting my Fi-core/Beck rights?
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 which you may receive a letter from the Local saying you need to join. At that time, if you wish to continue to do union and non-union work, you simply assert your Fi-core/Beck rights. There is no need to join first and then resign. See above: “How do I assert my Fi-core/Beck rights?”
If you are currently nonunion, 1) access the membership application on the AFM or SAG/AFTRA website (the Fi-core/Beck application is the same form as for membership). Click here for AFM Local 47’s application, IMPORTANT*: Cross off “Membership” and write in “Fi-core/Beck”. If you do not do this step, you will simply be submitting a new application for full membership. Sign in all necessary places. 2) Submit a copy of this letter found on the National Right to Work Foundation’s website, be sure to personalize it first.
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 cities other than Los Angeles, go to the website for the appropriate local in that city. Filing for Fi-core/Beck Status with one local will not give you Fi-Core/Beck protection in other locals. You must follow this procedure for every local you belong to.
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 only and are decidedly non-authoritative. They should not be construed in any way as legal advice, absolute, or incontrovertible.
Ultimately, follow the advice on this website at your own risk. Karen Garrity Music accepts no responsibility for interpretations of the material herein or their consequences.