Here are our plans for the Leadership & Governance of SCG:

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• Initial Organizing Committee: A group of key advocates and leaders will lead the unionization effort before the union is officially formed.

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• Interim Leadership: Once recognized, an interim leadership team will guide the union through its early stages, setting up governance and organizing the first elections.

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• Membership Meetings: Hold meetings to involve all members in establishing the union's bylaws and governance structure.

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• Drafting Bylaws: The organizing committee or interim leadership will draft bylaws outlining the union's structure, roles, election procedures, and other governance details. Members will vote to approve these bylaws.

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• Election Procedures: The bylaws will detail election procedures, including nominations, campaigning, voting methods, and terms of office.

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• Nominations: Open nominations for board and team positions, allowing eligible members to nominate themselves or others.

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• Campaigning: Candidates will campaign among members, presenting their qualifications.

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• Election of the Board and Team: Members will vote to elect the board of directors and other leadership positions. The candidates with the most votes will assume their roles.

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• Transition and Training: Newly elected leaders will undergo a transition period, including training to understand their duties and the union's operations.

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Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Negotiations Process:

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• Form a Bargaining Committee: Select a group of representatives from the union to form the bargaining committee. This team will lead negotiations with the employer.

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• Gather Input from Members: Survey union members to identify their priorities and key issues. This input will guide the bargaining committee in developing proposals.

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• Research and Preparation: Conduct thorough research on industry standards, comparable agreements, and the financial status of the music group. Prepare data and evidence to support the union's proposals.

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• Develop Bargaining Proposals: Based on member input and research, draft detailed proposals for wages, benefits, working conditions, and terms like:​​

  • Songwriter Fee & Points: Fee and points from record labels and artists for The Right of First Release, a fundamental copyright holder right.

  • Session Fee: Non-recoupable fee from record labels and artists for services rendered by songwriters and producers, irrespective of song purchase.

  • Health Care Program: Health care program for the songwriting and producer community, ensuring dependable healthcare access.

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• Set Negotiation Goals: Establish clear, realistic goals for the negotiations. Prioritize issues and determine which items are non-negotiable and which have room for compromise.

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• Schedule Negotiation Sessions: Coordinate with the music group to schedule a series of negotiation meetings. Ensure that all necessary stakeholders are present.

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• Begin Negotiations: Present the union's proposals to the music group. Engage in discussions, listen to the music group's counterproposals, and negotiate terms.

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• Caucus as Needed: During the negotiation process, take breaks or hold separate meetings (caucuses) to discuss strategy and evaluate the music group's proposal.

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• Reach a Tentative Agreement: After negotiating, both parties aim to reach a tentative agreement on the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

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• Review the Tentative Agreement: The bargaining committee thoroughly reviews the tentative agreement. Legal advisors or experts will be consulted to ensure all terms are clear and enforceable.

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• Present to Members for Ratification: Share the tentative agreement with union members. Hold meetings to explain the terms and answer questions.

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• Member Ratification Vote: Conduct a vote among union members to ratify the tentative agreement. 

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• Finalize and Sign the Agreement: Once ratified, both the union and the music group sign the collective bargaining agreement, making it official and binding.

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• Implement the Agreement: Put the terms of the agreement into practice. Both parties are responsible for adhering to the CBA.

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• Monitor Compliance: Continuously monitor and enforce the agreement's terms. Address any grievances or disputes that arise during the term of the CBA.

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