Music teachers endorse strike

Instructors have filed unfair labor complaints with the NLRB

By DAVE MCNARY

The faculty of the Musicians Institute has authorized its labor reps to call a strike against the school if the two sides do not reach an agreement on a contract.

The instructors, who formed a collective bargaining unit last year through Local 47 of the American Federation of Musicians, gave no timetable for a work stoppage and said they will continue to seek a negotiated settlement.

The local has accused the school of unfair labor practices in complaints filed with the National Labor Relations Board, which has set a trial date for March 12.

The instructors decided to affiliate with the union after they were notified last March that they would lose their status as employees and be required to become independent contractors.

The Hollywood-based school has more than 100 instructors and over 600 students.

The Musicians Institute did not respond to a request for comment.