President’s Message

In a significant step toward bolstering international solidarity, the AFM hosted UK Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl and MU Head of International Services Dave Webster at our Times Square headquarters in late February. The MU represents over 36,000 musicians across the United Kingdom. As many of you know, the AFM has a long history of working with the MU, particularly within the theater, motion picture, and sound recording industries. Through our joint participation in the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), we also work closely together on issues that affect professional musicians everywhere.

The visit recharged our long-standing collaborative relationship. Our discussions centered on finding common ground in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of the music industry. Much of our conversation explored strategies for protecting our members’ rights in the face of generative AI. This includes the deficiency of streaming revenue, and the importance of copyright protections that safeguard musicians’ intellectual property that is based on the human creative process. We discussed the challenges UK musicians encounter when traveling to the US for performances, especially in the current political climate, which is also hurting our Canadian members.

Additionally, we explored the contrasting models of orchestral funding, noting the UK’s government support system compared to the US system, which depends heavily on endowments, grants, and ticket sales. This comparison allowed us to share insights and explore potential avenues for mutual support and advocacy.

MU General Secretary Pohl stated, “Our visit to the AFM in New York was so valuable to the British Musicians’ Union. So many of our members’ issues are crossing the border, fighting for a fair deal from new technologies and artificial intelligence, seeking equality and promoting diversity in workplaces, preventing sexual harassment, and bargaining for improved pay and conditions. We have so much in common, and working together gives us more power.”

Webster added, “Having met with AFM representatives from the United States and Canada at the Folk Alliance International Conference in Montreal, it was an added bonus to spend a couple of days with President Gagliardi and his colleagues in New York City. We talked at length on issues of shared concerns and cemented a long-standing friendship between our two unions. There is so much we can learn from each other in our shared fight to support our members.”

These sentiments underscore the importance of international solidarity and the power of collective action. In a demonstration of the deepening partnership, I have been invited to attend the MU’s biannual Delegates Congress, scheduled to take place in Liverpool, England, in July. This invitation provides an opportunity to witness the MU’s membership and policymaking processes firsthand, further solidifying the bonds between the two organizations. I am committed to continuing this vital dialogue with the Musicians’ Union, working together to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of musicians worldwide.

New York State Film Production Tax Credit

Recently, I had the honor of meeting face-to-face with New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) regarding our ongoing efforts to secure meaningful participation for musicians in the New York State Film and Television Tax Credit. As many of you know, this has been a passion project of mine since becoming president of Local 802 (New York City) in 2010. Much like our efforts with the California Entertainment Union Coalition, I am working to ensure New York’s tax credit truly benefits all creative workers.

My conversation with Hochul was productive and encouraging. I emphasized the unique contributions our musicians bring to every production, enhancing its artistic integrity and emotional impact. I stressed the need for policies that specifically recognize and incentivize the employment of AFM scoring musicians. This is a critical step forward, a testament to our collective advocacy and persistent efforts.

While the promise of increased production and subsequent employment opportunities was initially enticing, the reality could continue to fall far short of our expectations. However, I remain optimistic. We’ve made significant strides by successfully including our key initiatives in the Senate One-House draft budget. We must ensure that the tax credit program truly benefits all facets of the New York State creative economy, including AFM scoring musicians.

Live TV Videotape Agreement

Following three rounds of negotiations, a tentative successor Videotape Agreement was achieved on February 28, delivering substantial benefits to its members. The proposed three-year contract includes:

•Wage increases of 5% in the first year, 4% in the second, and 3% in the third.

•$5 increases in the Health & Welfare (H&W) day rate contribution in each successive year, plus a new 2% of wages H&W contribution on residuals (subject to a cap).

•Work dues checkoff on original session work, allowing dues to be deducted from wage payments, which should streamline this payment for all parties including musicians and locals.

•Addition of a Grievance & Arbitration procedure.

•Changes in the new media side-letters to bring components in line with other unions and guilds, including excerpt use language that aligns with a provision bargained by our colleagues at Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), made for new media coverage matching what was achieved by the Directors Guild of America in 2023, and an increase in the percentage residual for shows that are streamed on Advertised Video on Demand (AVOD).

•Protections in generative artificial intelligence that support what was bargained with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

We will be sending out the ratification details soon.

President Trump’s election has new consequences on our industry every day. As the AFM president representing musicians, I am outraged when I see government overreach and unlawful acts that jeopardize our safety and threaten our rights as workers. On stage, on public television, or anywhere in between, the AFM stands against undue influence from the federal government designed to suppress our right to free expression. Our art is our speech. And we must be allowed to share our music free from politically-motivated government intimidation. Democracy only thrives with artistic expression.

The Trump administration is defying norms at our federal cultural agencies and beloved institutions. Now is the time to remain steadfast in our mission and affirm our values. We can oppose the forces of exploitation through our union solidarity.

We will never stand for federal interference with our members’ hard-earned contracts and the standards that follow. And we must treat each other with respect and dignity without regard to ethnicity, creed, sex, age, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or national origin. As a union, we oppose those who seek to limit our freedom to express ourselves as musicians.

Recently, I issued a statement condemning the unlawful firing National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Gwynne Wilcox. The AFM joined with our fellow unions in AFL-CIO endorsing a congressional letter to Trump calling for the immediate reinstatement of Wilcox to the Board. All Congressional Democrats and one House Republican signed that letter expressing outrage at the clear violation of the National Labor Relations Act.

Trump campaigned on putting employers first. Leaving the NLRB paralyzed with unfilled vacancies does just that. Without an NLRB to enforce the law, workers are left with little remedy in the face of union-busting and threats to workplace standards. The independence of the NLRB is critical to its mission. In firing Wilcox, Trump has discarded nearly nine decades of precedent.

The flurry of adverse executive orders from the Trump administration will naturally tempt us to react to each one. We cannot take the bait every time. But I will speak out when I see laws broken and our members’ livelihoods threatened. To that end, the AFM will always work to protect our members in the United States and Canada.

At the beginning of February, I joined Vice President from Canada Allistair Elliott in a message of solidarity. We will not stand idly by when President Trump threatens a trade war with Canada. As we said at the time, no outside forces can change what brings us together. On both sides of the border, we are all musicians deserving of a fair contract and a safe workplace. I will continue to work with Elliott to achieve those goals for our members in Canada and the United States.

If your job, your contract, or your safety is threatened, we will support you. Now is the time to speak out and be there for each other. As I wrote the day after the election, our solidarity is needed now more than ever.

As we enter Black History Month, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the immeasurable contributions of Black musicians to the vibrant tapestry of American music and for the contributions and sacrifices of Black labor and civil rights leaders.

But Black History Month is more than just a retrospective. It’s an opportunity for reflection, for learning, and for action. It’s a time to acknowledge the systemic racism that long plagued our industry, from discriminatory hiring practices to the underrepresentation of Black voices in leadership positions.

As your union president, I am committed to using my platform to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive music industry. We must work together to dismantle the barriers that continue to hold Black musicians back, to amplify their voices, and to create a truly level playing field for all.

TEMPO Fund: Issues for US Musicians

As the 119th Congress gets into full swing following last month’s inauguration, I wanted to remind you about our Taskforce for Employment of Musicians Promotional Organization (TEMPO) fund. This fund supports US lawmakers and candidates who champion issues important to musicians, including artificial intelligence, tax policies, copyright, and performance rights. These lawmakers understand the issues that musicians face every day.

Federal law prohibits your dues money from being used for most political purposes. That’s why musicians have established TEMPO, which is solely funded by small contributions given by AFM musicians—like you.

Below, I have highlighted some of the key legislative issues that AFM Director of Government Affairs Ben Kessler is actively working to address. I invite you to help us by advocating for these legislative proposals and supporting our work through your TEMPO donation.

Protect musicians from artificial intelligence (AI) exploitation—All musicians must have control of their work and receive fair compensation. The Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act (H.R. 9551/ S. 4875) and Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act are meaningful first steps toward protecting artists from exploitation. In addition, the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act would create transparency in AI.

Protect the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain—The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (H.R. 20 / S. 567) would ensure all workers have the right to organize and collectively bargain without interference.

Ensure artists are compensated fairly for use of their recordings—The American Music Fairness Act (H.R. 791) would ensure artists are compensated when their music is played over terrestrial radio. The Protect Working Musicians Act (H.R. 5576) would allow artists to collectively negotiate with platforms and receive fair compensation for their streaming work (see page 6 for more information on streaming compensation).

Support and build strong arts education—The Arts Education for All Act (H.R. 5463) would expand arts education programming, creating more opportunities for working musicians, expanding access to arts participation, and training the next generation of artists.

Update outdated copyright regulations—Section 512 of the Copyright Act, which limits a service provider’s liability for infringed materials, needs to be updated. The safe harbor provisions are outdated and do not reflect changes in technology over the last 25 years.

Ensure equality among musicians and other workers—The Equality Act would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Federation supports policy measures that promote diverse talent pipelines and inclusive hiring.

Increase federal funding for the arts—National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants create jobs for musicians—with strong workplace protections—in all states and jurisdictions. The AFM supports increased NEA funding to at least $1 per capita (roughly $336 million).

Implement fairer tax policy and deductions for performing artists and union members—The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (H.R. 2871) would update the Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction. Tax Fairness for Workers Act (H.R. 4963/S. 738) would make union dues tax deductible once again. The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act (H.R. 5456/S. 737) would end tax benefits for interfering in workers’ right to organize.

Reform ticket sale laws to protect music fans from exploitive pricing—The Fans First Act (S. 3457) would empower artists to control and protect consumers from predatory ticket sale practices.

All musicians deserve good wages, decent working conditions, health care, and a secure retirement. Your TEMPO contribution will allow the AFM to support lawmakers and candidates who advocate for these issues important to working musicians.

Please visit: www.afm.org/what-we-are-doing/legislative/tempo/ to donate today. Your donation of any amount will make a difference when it comes to ensuring the voice of musicians is heard in Washington, DC.

Contributions to TEMPO, PCC, the AFM’s separate segregated political fund, are used to help members of Congress who support AFM issues. TEMPO contributions can only be accepted from US members and are NOT tax deductible. Your decision to give is strictly voluntary and is NOT a requirement of membership in the union. For more information, please contact: TEMPO Coordinator Sandra Grier, 212-869-1330 ext. 215 or sgrier@afm.org.

Let me start by saying that I was delighted to attend the Kennedy Center Honors on December 8, and it was truly an amazing event, especially to see our members front and center, along with our SAG-AFTRA siblings.

As we begin 2025, our negotiations with the television networks for a successor to the Television Videotape Agreement continue. Following a second extension signed to carry the current agreement through the end of January, we are still working to resolve outstanding issues, primarily economics and the treatment of new media platforms. While challenging, the process has been cooperative thus far, and we hope to conclude these negotiations before the expiration of the current extension.

As I’ve discussed in my columns during the past year and a half, one of the most pressing challenges our industry faces today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid advancements in these technologies pose significant threats to musicians’ livelihoods, including the potential for AI generated music to replace human performers and for AI to be misused to replicate artists’ unique styles.

Ben Kessler, the AFM director of government affairs, is leading efforts in Washington, DC, to advocate for legislation that protects musicians’ intellectual property rights and prohibits the theft of intellectual property and the unregulated use of AI in music.

As I write this column, Congress is on the brink of a shutdown. The exact legislative vehicle to fund the government remains unclear. Leading up to this moment, the musicFIRST Coalition, of which AFM is a member, insisted that Congress should not use the funding bill to mandate AM radios in cars so long as musicians still aren’t compensated for spins on those airwaves. We were going against considerable opposition. Because of your advocacy and the steadfast support of Congressional leadership, we were successful. Our fight continues in 2025, as we work toward the passage of the American Music Fairness Act.

Outreach to musicians remains a top priority as we work together toward our shared goals. I am very happy to report that, after some time and much searching, the Freelance Services Department will once again be in full swing. Wages Argott, who led the department for three years, has agreed to return to his role as director of Freelance Services and Membership Development.

Argott, an active freelance musician and veteran of several AFM departments, will work closely with our locals to address the unique challenges that freelance musicians face, which are of great concern to us. Together, we are committed to tackling difficulties encountered by freelancers in the US and Canada and exploring ways our union can provide resources and support to these essential members.

Additionally, the AFM Organizing Division continues to gain momentum as it actively engages with musicians across the US and Canada to educate them about their workplace rights and the protections provided by a union contract. To achieve this goal, we are fostering strong collaboration among all AFM departments—Symphonic Services, Theatre/Touring, Electronic Media Services, Freelance Services, Government Affairs, and Education. By leveraging the unique expertise of each department, we can gain valuable insights into the diverse sectors and the musicians within them. Our aim is to empower musicians across the US and Canada by effectively utilizing the resources and advantages offered by the AFM.

While our industry does face a range of complex challenges, I am confident of our ability to address them effectively. By focusing on organization, collective bargaining, and legislative advocacy in both the US and Canada, we can advocate for fair compensation, equitable working conditions, and a sustainable future for all musicians.

I strongly believe that fostering collaboration across all departments will enable us to effectively address the various issues we encounter as a union. Together, we can strengthen our union and ensure a more resilient future for generations to come.

Access the List of Locals Online

As a reminder, the AFM List of Locals, the directory of Federation staff and all AFM locals across the US and Canada, is available in the Document Library of the members-only website at https://members.afm.org/member/library/. The List of Locals PDF is updated monthly to provide current contact information for each local, including phone numbers, email addresses, and website links.

Additionally, the List of Locals details the geographical jurisdictions and work dues for each local, ensuring musicians and locals can readily identify the appropriate local for their needs. Whether you’re a local officer seeking collaboration or a musician requiring local guidance, the List of Locals serves as a valuable tool for navigating the AFM network.

Together with a robust delegation from the AFM, I attended the Fifth International Orchestra Conference (IOC) of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), October 23-26, in Malmö, Sweden. In addition to myself, the delegation included Vice President from Canada Allistair Elliott, AFM Director of Symphonic Services and Special Counsel Rochelle Skolnick, International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) Chair Keith Carrick, Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) President Stephen Wade, Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM) President Bob Fraser, OCSM Vice President Ethan Balakrishnan, and Professor Christine Guptill of the University of Ottawa. Also in attendance was AFM Local 149 (Toronto, ON) Executive Director and AFM International Executive Board Member Dusty Kelly.

Previous iterations of the IOC were held in Berlin, Amsterdam, Oslo, and Montreal in 2017. The format of the conference includes a series of panel discussions featuring musicians and advocates for musicians. On the first day, orchestra managers participated, while the remaining days were dedicated solely to musicians and their representatives. This arrangement facilitated open and honest discussions about issues important to the participants. Attendees from across Europe, and as far away as Japan, Australia, and India, were united in a shared passion for their art.

Members of the AFM delegation participated as panelists or moderators in discussions on various important topics. These included environmental and climate issues impacting orchestras (Fraser), musicians’ health concerns (Guptill), bullying and harassment (Skolnick), and the evolving nature of orchestra musicians’ work due to changes in repertoire and audience demographics (Skolnick). I was part of a panel focused on fostering solidarity within orchestras and on an international level. Additional panels covered themes such as transparency and fairness in recruitment practices to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion; work-life balance for orchestra musicians; and the rights of freelance musicians.

In addition to the panel discussions, attendees were invited to a concert by Malmö Symphony Orchestra, held in their beautiful concert hall, which was conveniently attached to the conference hotel. The City of Malmö also hosted a reception at its historic City Hall. However, the most important aspect of the event was the lively exchange of ideas and information among orchestra musicians from around the world. While the challenges we face are remarkably similar, each country approaches these challenges slightly differently, leading to both success stories and disappointments. This diversity of perspectives makes an event like the FIM IOC a valuable forum for learning from one another and reinforcing the shared solidarity of orchestra musicians globally.

Early in November, our negotiations with the television networks for a successor to the Television Videotape Agreement continued; a second extension agreement was signed to carry the agreement through the end of January. Both parties met for a productive week at the AFM offices in New York City, where significant movement was made on structural issues in the contract. Though some issues remain open, including economics and new media, the process has been cooperative thus far. The parties will meet again for three days in early January.

I am excited about the substantial progress we’ve made at the negotiating table this year. Notably, the historic breakthroughs in streaming residuals, artificial intelligence protections, wage increases, and other improvements for musicians in the agreement with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), Pamphlet B negotiations, and our current Live TV Videotape agreement negotiations. These developments demonstrate the AFM’s commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of its members and securing a sustainable future for the music industry.

Finally, I hope you take the time to enjoy the remaining year-end holidays with your family and friends. Wishing all of you a happy holiday and a healthy, prosperous new year!