Musicians Unite to Demand Fair Contract in Live TV and Video Negotiations

September 5, 2024

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On September 4, AFM members and supporters gathered to kick off negotiations for a new Live TV and Video contract with the major networks. Led by the Five Borough Brass band, members of AFM Local 802 (New York City), the rally brought together musicians and other entertainment union members to advocate for fair compensation and protections.

AFM International President Tino Gagliardi, who is lead negotiator, outlined the key demands of the musicians, including:

• Expanded health care coverage to provide better benefits for musicians who often lack guaranteed coverage.
• Increased residuals for streaming to ensure musicians are fairly compensated for their work on streaming platforms.
• Protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to safeguard musicians’ work and ensure human creativity remains at the heart of the industry.

Emceed by Marc Sazer, Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) vice president and president of the Recording Musicians Association, other speakers at the rally included Sara Cutler, president of Local 802; Stephanie O’Keefe, president of Local 47; Ezra Knight, president of the New York SAG-AFTRA local; Rebecca Damon, chief labor policy officer and New York local executive director for SAG-AFTRA; and Jason Gordon, director of communications at Writers Guild of America, East.

“Musicians from New York to Los Angeles are uniting to urge the networks to negotiate a fair contract,” said Gagliardi. “This includes expanded health care coverage, increased residuals for streaming, and protections against the use of AI to protect musicians’ work.”

Cutler said, “We want to protect our musicians for the work they create, which includes streaming residuals, fair wages, fair health care contributions, and AI protections. It’s going to be a fight, and we’re up for it!”

The contract applies to over 6,000 musicians who perform on live or recorded television programs, including variety shows, award shows, game shows, talk shows, morning shows, and sports broadcasts. The musicians are seeking a fair contract that reflects the value of their work and ensures they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“We come together to fight together! As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial to protect the work of musicians. We need to ensure that our jobs are not replaced by machines and that our creativity is valued and compensated,” said Local 47 member Caleb Vaugh-Jones, who is a cellist and composer. “It is essential for us to stand united to secure a fair contract for the thousands of musicians who contribute to various television shows.”

Local 802 member Shawn Pelton, drummer in the Saturday Night Live band, performed at the rally and told Deadline magazine, “the AFM is seeking its fair slice of the pie in negotiations with the major studios on a new Live TV and Video Agreement,” adding, “the threat of AI is a serious concern.”

As negotiations began on September 4, the AFM called on networks to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement that benefits all musicians involved in live TV production. “Musicians have been undervalued and underpaid for too long,” said Gagliardi. “We are united in our demand for a contract that recognizes the value and contributions of these dedicated individuals. We will no longer be ignored.”

A second round of negotiations is slated for November.

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