As I compose this month’s column, I’ve received notice from the American Arbitration Association (AAA) that musicians employed under the Federation’s Motion Picture Film and Television Film Agreements have ratified a one-year extension to those agreements, extending all provisions of the existing agreements together with a 3% increase in wages. That extension preserves and protects […]

As the ball has dropped in Times Square ushering in the 2022 New Year, the hope is that this year will bring improved work situations for all AFM members. Last year brought the reopening of some theaters and music venues, but the return to full employment has been elusive. While we all want to get […]

Looking back at the past couple of years makes me think of a laundry cycle. Throw everything into the machine, it fills with water. Then, the soaking begins, followed by a lot of agitation, rinse, and spin. Then it’s either thrown into the dryer or hung out to dry. At the end of the cycle, […]

A recent three-day web meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO) was especially interesting. It not only confirmed many of the assumptions we had about the impact of COVID internationally, but it revealed alarming similarities between countries that could not be more different socially or economically. Further, there was affirmation of the necessity for change […]

The AFM International Convention is a time for us to look forward. Key issues facing member musicians are discussed and resolved. Officials are elected to ensure the AFM’s continued longevity and success. But the convention is also a time to reflect and honor locals and members who have gone above and beyond the call of […]

by Wages Argott, AFM Director of Freelance Services and Membership Development Let’s talk about 2021, our first full calendar year under the shadow of COVID-19. I, like everyone else, finished 2020 grateful that my family and I were alive and healthy and we all still had roofs over our heads. I gave little thought to […]