2024: YEAR IN REVIEW

December 1, 2024

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A Look at 2024 Achievements & Challenges

During 2024 we saw both remarkable achievements and pressing challenges for our union. We celebrated the resilience and creativity of AFM members when they work together in both groundbreaking performances and impactful advocacy.

One quickly developing and significant threat we face is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). While there are potential benefits, the technology poses risks to our livelihood and the very essence of human creativity. There is an urgent need to safeguard creative professionals and the very integrity of music.

The federal election and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaigns were a major focus this year. Our goal is to preserve the progress that was made under President Joe Biden and his support for unions and working Americans. As we move forward under the new administration, we may face a much less labor friendly National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Our focus will remain on advocating for the right to organize and supporting labor unions in all areas of legislation and the workforce. Together we can continue to push for legislative priorities important to artists and other working Americans.

JANUARY

New Canadian Regulations for Travel with Instruments

On January 8, Canada implemented new permit requirements for musical instruments containing ivory. Canadian-issued import and export permits are now required for travel in and out of Canada with ivory, in addition to any permits already required by a musician’s home country. The standard time to issue these Canadian permits is 35 calendar days, plus extra time for the permit to reach its destination through regular mail.

AFM Fair Share for Musicians Kicks Off AMPTP Negotiations with Solidarity Rally

Just prior to the start of negotiations on January 22, the AFM’s Fair Share for Musicians campaign organized a kick-off rally and press conference at Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) headquarters in Sherman Oaks, California. The AFM Fair Share for Musicians campaign was created by the musicians who record for motion pictures and television shows in preparation for their negotiations. The event included a strong show of solidarity with members of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Writers Guild of America (WGA) West, Teamsters, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATESE), and more.

Agreements with AMPTP cover scoring, musical preparation services, sidelining, and recording for theatrical motion pictures and films made for television and streaming. Negotiations were delayed, and the contract was extended from its November 13, 2023 expiration date, due to AMPTP’s prolonged negotiations with WGA and SAG-AFTRA, which launched a new era of solidarity among artist unions and renewed recognition for the artists who drive the film and television industry.

Unions Push for NEA Grantee Prevailing Wage

AFM joined other entertainment industry unions and the AFL-CIO’s Department for Professional Employees (DPE) to ensure projects funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) comply with prevailing wage rules. NEA has never exerted pressure on grantees to secure compliance with the prevailing wage rule. The DPE compiled a summary of NEA-funded projects in the current 12-month grant cycle and identified projects that don’t meet prevailing wage requirements. AFM locals were asked to investigate NEA projects in their area in order to vet the most compelling projects with below-standard pay and refer them for enforcement action.

FEBRUARY

New AMPTP Agreement Secures Core Demands

After an initial 10 days of bargaining in January, the AFM returned to the bargaining table with AMPTP February 21 and 22, determined to secure its core demands. In the early hours of February 23, AFM negotiators secured historic breakthroughs in streaming residuals, established critical guardrails against the misuse of artificial intelligence, gained meaningful wage increases, and secured other important gains. The agreement, unanimously recommended by the bargaining committee, represents a significant victory for musicians working in film and television. The AFM thanked the negotiation team, steering committee, bargaining unit, and fellow unions and noted that it had brought members in earlier and further into the bargaining process than ever before. The new agreement was ratified April 2.

Gains Achieved in NYC Winter Jazzfest CBA

New York City’s Winter Jazzfest and Local 802 (New York City) established a new collective bargaining agreement that provides a 16% wage increase and enhanced working conditions, cancellation provisions, and nondiscrimination language. Winter Jazzfest takes place over the course of a week in multiple venues with multiple bands. The agreement represents how collective bargaining can be achieved even in nontraditional work settings.

Michigan Repeals Right to Work

On February 13, the repeal of Michigan’s “right to work” law went into effect. It was the first state in decades to repeal the union-restricting law that was passed over a decade ago. The law had allowed those in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues and fees. Its repeal is a major victory for organized labor. “Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job, and grow Michigan’s middle class,” said Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer after signing the legislation.

Tennessee Is First State to Pass AI Protection Law

The Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (ELVIS) bill to protect Tennessee musicians from the unethical use of artificial intelligence was passed by unanimous vote of the Tennessee House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on February 13. It targets unethical uses of AI, such as unauthorized use of an artist’s voice, image, and likeness. Nearly 300 creatives have supported a similar federal bill called the No AI Fraud Act, which was introduced in the 118th Congress. AFM Legislative-Political Director Alfonso Pollard served as a panelist in discussions about the bill.

MARCH

AFM Announces Support for Magic United

AFM and Local 7 (Orange County, CA) announced their support for “Magic United,” made up of cast members in Disneyland’s characters and parades department who are unionizing with Actors’ Equity Association. Most of Disneyland’s workforce is already unionized, including the musicians who are represented by Local 7. In May, Magic United circulated union authorization cards to the 1,700 cast members, and the workers voted overwhelmingly to unionize. 

AFM Musicians Join Many Crafts, One Fight Rally

On March 3, AFM musicians joined thousands in solidarity at a “Many Crafts, One Fight” negotiation kickoff rally hosted by IATSE and the Hollywood Basic Crafts unions as they headed into their negotiations with the AMPTP. “This is what solidarity looks like. This industry has come together in ways that I have not seen in my entire career,” said AFM President Tino Gagliardi. “Musicians are with you because that’s the kind of solidarity I got from all of you, and that’s what you’re going to get right back.”

For the first time in 36 years, IATSE and the Hollywood Basic Crafts—a coalition of guilds representing more than 75,000 crew members that include drivers, electrical workers, costume designers, cement masons, plumbers, lighting technicians, camera operators, makeup artists, video editors, and more—are jointly bargaining with AMPTP for pension and health benefits. The three will negotiate other contract terms separately.

Colorado Music Festival Organizes

The Colorado Music Festival (CMF) ratified its first union contract in mid-March. The 78 musicians of CMF voted unanimously to organize their summer music festival. The musicians are members of Local 20-623 (Denver, CO). Their drive to unionization was celebrated and detailed in the August International Musician.

Local 433 Stands Up for SXSW Musicians

During Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, March 8-16, Local 433 (Austin, TX) musicians used tabling and leafleting to protest the treatment of professional musicians performing at the festival. As payment for performance, musicians were forced to choose between a credential granting them festival access or an arbitrary payment of $350 (group)/$150 (solo act)—neither of which begin to defray even their cost to perform. Local 433 President Aaron Lack said that, due to the insulting festival compensation, some musicians cancelled their showcase appearances or chose to perform at unofficial events. Musicians also protested the festival’s involvement with arms manufacturers.

CFM Returns to JUNO Awards

For the first time since 2006, the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) was present at the JUNO Awards, held March 21-24 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. CFM Executive Director Liana White worked alongside Local 571 (Halifax, NS) to ensure that agreements covering musician services for all live shows, awards, and broadcast events, were fully respected.

APRIL

New Pamphlet B Agreement Ratified

Successor theatrical musical Pamphlet B and Short Engagement Tour (SET) agreements, negotiated with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions, were ratified by the bargaining unit, following a tentative agreement reached in early January. Sizeable gains were realized in wages, health care, pension, travel penalties, and protections against employment erosion due to musician replacement technology. The agreement became effective April 15 and will run through February 28, 2027.

Remembering Alan Willaert

In April, we were saddened by the loss of longtime AFM Vice President from Canada Alan Willaert. He was remembered as a passionate and tenacious advocate for Canadian musicians—whether at contract negotiations or speaking about the impact of legislation before parliament. The Canadian Conference of Musicians announced a scholarship fund established in Willaert’s name, which will relate to the study of music and labour-related issues. In May, Allistair Elliott transitioned from his role as an international representative to become the AFM Vice President from Canada.

SAG-AFTRA and Labels Agree on AI Protections

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing roughly 160,000 actors, dancers, singers, recording artists, and other media professionals, and all three major music companies reached a tentative multiyear agreement that includes guardrails covering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process. The AI guidelines require that such terms as “artist,” “singer,” and “royalty artist” are used only to refer to actual humans. Plus, the deal calls for clear consent, minimum compensation, and other stipulations prior to the release of a sound recordings using digital replication of a real artist’s voice.

AFM Representatives Travel to WIPO Conference

AFM President Tino Gagliardi and in-house counsel Jennifer Garner participated in the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Conference on the Global Digital Content Market, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland. Because of the amount of music AFM members create and distribute, it is important that we are well represented internationally. Garner has represented the AFM for more than a decade in the areas of royalty collection and intellectual property rights.

Canadian Office Gives Visa Updates

The Canadian Office announced streamlined P-2 visa processing and an improved tracking system with automated status updates. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had proposed new rates to be effective in 2023. However, arts stakeholders, including the AFM, gave feedback on how they would be negatively affected by the rates while still recovering from the pandemic. As a result, USCIS rate increases were delayed until April of this year.

Jazzed Up MPTF JAM

Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) collaborated with two new media partners—All AboutJazz and JazzNearYou—in their Jazz Across North America events during Jazz Appreciation Month in April. In total, the MPTF cosponsored 768 free jazz events in 78 locals across the US and Canada.

New Officer Training Program Launched

The AFM’s Education Committee launched a new AFM Officer Training program at the Western Conference of Locals. Led by Director of the Symphonic Services Division Rochelle Skolnick, Director of the Electronic Media Services Division John Painting, and Natashia Tony, CEO of Vancouver-based Elevate Inclusion Strategies, the training program delivered skill building modules covering topics and issues relevant to local officers.

MAY

CITES Webinar Informs Traveling Musicians

On May 7, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) held a webinar entitled “Travel Rules for Protected Species and Musical Instruments.” It covered laws related to crossing international borders with musical instruments that contain protected species, requiring special permits and advanced planning. Organized in collaboration with the League of American Orchestras, the free one-hour session was recorded and is available as a resource for musicians traveling across borders.

AFM President Attends International Federation of Musicians Executive Committee Meeting

May 23-24, AFM President Tino Gagliardi attended the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) Executive Committee Meeting in Bucharest, Romania. The meeting brought together representatives from musician unions from all corners of the globe. Among the topics discussed were climate change and environmental issues, collective bargaining rights in arts and entertainment, copyright in the digital environment, and the adoption of a FIM statement on artificial intelligence.

MPTF Reports Strong Funding for Fiscal Year

The recording industry’s MPTF concluded its fiscal year, announcing the delivery of approximately $5 million in funding for musician performances during 2023-2024, providing nearly 5,000 admission-free, live music events. The budget for next fiscal year is $4 million.

CFM Presents at ECMA

During the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Festival and Conference, held May 1-5, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the Canadian Federation of Musicians teamed up with their longtime partner, Musicians Pension Fund of Canada. Together, they manned a booth, hosted a panel, and presented this year’s Producer of the Year Award. CFM P-2 Administrator Melanie Hall participated in the ECMA’s first P-2 Visa panel. Music Performance Trust Fund assisted in funding ECMA community stages.

JUNE

Capitol Hill Testimony Calls for Performance Right for Musicians

On June 26, country music legend and Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member Randy Travis and SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe testified on Capitol Hill in support of the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). The hearing was titled “Radio, Music, and Copyrights: 100 Years of Inequity for Recording Artists.” AMFA would require musicians to be paid a royalty when their music is played on AM/FM radio. Travis’ wife acted as the voice of her husband who can no longer speak or sing due to aphasia. Huppe and the Travises also called on Congress to modernize the nation’s copyright law to protect creators from artificial intelligence technology. AFM International Vice President and Local 257 (Nashville, TN) President Dave Pomeroy attended the hearing on behalf of the AFM. At a post-hearing reception, he performed the song “Respect the Band,” written in support of the AMFA.

Union-Backed Music Law Passed in Illinois

The Music and Musicians Tax Credit and Jobs Act was signed into law June 5 in Illinois. The legislation, co-sponsored by Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL), provides $2 million in tax credits to qualifying musician companies in the state that record soundtracks and employ local musicians. The bill was advanced by violist and Illinois Representative Sharon Chung (D-IL), a member of 10-208, and Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-IL). Local 10-208 members helped to promote the bill by campaigning and petitioning local legislators.

JULY

Big Top Chautauqua Musicians Organize

The musicians of the Blue Canvas Orchestra, the house band for Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, which performs a summer program, voted overwhelmingly to organize with the AFM. Previously each musician worked under a separate contract. They faced low pay and long rehearsals, with no travel allowance. In addition to improved compensation and benefits, the musicians hoped their union contract would help attract additional talent.

Kitchener-Waterloo Orchestra to Resume Operations

The musicians of the Kitchener-Waterloo Orchestra, members of Local 226 (Kitchener, ON), announced they would resume operations under a new board of directors. Orchestra management had abruptly declared bankruptcy on September 21, 2023, just as the 52 musicians were planning to return to work from their summer layoff. The musicians have worked relentlessly to resurrect the orchestra.

Summer Symphonic Player Conference Meetings

The Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) celebrated its 40th anniversary at its conference, held July 29-August 1. The conference was hosted by Local 6 (San Francisco, CA). The Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM) conference was held August 12-15 in Kitchener, Ontario. The International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) conference was held August 21-24, in Portland, Oregon.

Bipartisan NO FAKES Act Aims to Protect Performers

A bipartisan group of senators officially introduced the long-anticipated Nurture Originals, Foster Art and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act designed to protect artists’ voices and visual likenesses from being exploited with artificial intelligence. The act would establish increased protections to individuals’ right of publicity by strengthening their legal claims over the unauthorized use of their voice and likeness. When the person dies, the right would pass down to their heirs. The bill has overwhelming support across the creative community, including from the Motion Picture Association, Human Artistry Campaign, major talent agencies, and more.

AUGUST

AFM-EPF Receives Special Financial Assistance

AFM President Gagliardi announced that the AFM and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) application for Special Financial Assistance provided through the multiemployer pension rescue plan had been officially approved. In August, the fund received its restorative funding (over $1.4 billion of assistance, plus over $87.7 million in interest). The money will ensure that musicians can continue to rely on secure retirement income after years of enriching communities with their talent. Administered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the SFA program was part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. It restored security to roughly 200 distressed multiemployer pension plans, ensuring sound retirement for around 2 million workers over the next few decades.

AFM IEB Endorses Harris for President

In August, the AFM International Executive Board announced the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president and thanked President Joe Biden for his dedication to public service and support for working people. The endorsement was decided based on the Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering commitment to organized labor.

Local 47 Supports SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors

Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) musicians joined SAG-AFTRA colleagues at two picket lines in Burbank during August, taking a stand to protect video game actors from artificial intelligence. The SAG-AFTRA members were striking against video game companies signed to the Interactive Media Agreement. They had been in negotiations for more than a year with no agreement.

Arden Theatre Musicians Join Local 77

Musicians who perform for Arden Theatre productions successfully filed a petition for recognition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to be represented by Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA). The request followed a nod from a “supermajority” of musicians signing union cards. The organizing was musician driven according to Local 77 President Ellen Trainer. The musicians have not had any wage increases since 2016 when they earned about 94% of the actors’ wages. They now make about 77% of the actors’ wages. Arden’s musicians would join Philadelphia musicians of the Forrest Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, and Philadelphia Theatre Company, also represented by Local 77. 

SEPTEMBER

AFM Opens Negotiations with TV Networks

On September 4, the Federation opened negotiations with the major television networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) for a successor Live Television Videotape Agreement. Led by the Five Borough Brass band, members of AFM Local 802 (New York City), musicians held a rally with other entertainment union members to advocate for fair compensation and protections. The contract applies to more than 6,000 musicians who perform on live or recorded television programs, including variety, awards, game, talk, and morning shows and sports broadcasts.

In initial negotiations, both sides exchanged opening proposals and returned initial impressions. Among AFM’s focuses are much needed structural changes, new media parity with agreements from other guilds, protection against encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI), increased health care contributions, and better compliance/enforcement procedures.

Diversity Committee Describes Action Items

The priorities of the AFM Diversity Committee are to reflect the diversity of our music community and celebrate the AFM’s diversity. In September, the AFM Diversity Committee announced its action items: expand membership surveys; support equity, diversity, and inclusion committees for locals; promote leadership opportunities that increase representation; combat resistance, misconceptions, and fears surrounding diversity initiatives; celebrate diverse voices; and build a stronger, more united union.

MPTF Awards Academic Scholarships

MPTF awarded $119,000 in academic support to 114 college and university students in the US and Canada for the upcoming school year. Among the awardees were 27 students pursuing music-related degrees who received Music’s Future scholarships. Music Family scholarships were awarded to family members of AFM musicians representing 40 different locals. Scholarships are approximately 3% of MPTF’s annual grant distribution. Since 2020, MPTF has distributed 576 scholarships.

Longtime AFM Lobbyist Steps Down

In September, AFM Legislative and Political Director Alfonso Pollard announced his retirement. A lifetime member of the AFM, Pollard was honored with a Lifetime Service Award at the 102nd AFM Convention in June 2023. Ben Kessler was appointed as the new legislative and political director.

MPTF Celebrates 10 Years of MusicianFest

MPTF celebrated the 10th anniversary of its MusicianFest initiative that sponsors musical performances in senior centers, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. Over the decade, MusicianFest grants have funded over 7,500 events with over $2.5 million in funding. During 2024 alone, there were 1,462 performances, the highest annual number in the program’s history.

Strategic Planning Session Held

Members of the AFM International Executive Board (IEB) traveled to Washington, DC, for a strategic planning session as they work toward the development of a three-year plan, in accordance with AFM Bylaws. The IEB worked with facilitator Susan Schurman, professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University, toward the formulation of the plan. A former director of the George Meany Center, Schurman serves as an advisor to many national unions.

CIM Votes for Union Representation

The faculty of Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) voted overwhelmingly to approve Cleveland Federation of Musicians, Local 4 (Cleveland, OH), as their exclusive bargaining representative. The election was conducted September 25-26 at a coffee shop near the campus. The National Labor Relations Board certified the election on October 7. All full-time and regular part-time faculty employees are included in the new bargaining unit.

OCTOBER

Get Out the Vote Campaign

As Election Day 2024 approached, the AFM Organizing Division worked with the National Legislative Office to involve AFM members in GOTV operations, particularly in swing states. In California, Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) members worked on Nevada phone banks and traveled to the state by bus. Local 802 (New York City) mobilized with Actors’ Equity Association to take part in the AFL-CIO’s member-to-union member phone bank, making 40,000 calls in two hours. During a visit to meet with True Concord Voices and Orchestra members, AFM Field Organizer Claire Park coordinated with Central Labor Council to phone bank Arizona union members.

NOVEMBER

Musicians Facing Disasters Look to Emergency Relief Fund

Following the recent devastating hurricanes to hit several southern states, AFM President Tino Gagliardi reminded AFM members of the union’s Emergency Relief Fund. “Each year, many of our musicians lose their homes, instruments, and livelihood because of natural disasters,” he said. “During these times of crisis, it is more important than ever to come together and support our members in need.” AFM members who meet the criteria for aid may apply at afm.org/emergency-assistance and those wishing to provide support can make a donation at the site.

SoundExchange Announces Global Registry to Combat AI

SoundExchange announced plans to launch a registry in the first quarter of 2025 that will give artificial intelligence companies a clear picture of what they can and cannot use for training purposes. The registry will provide resources for creators and rights owners to protect their rights related to the use of their content in AI models, allowing them to reserve their rights against training by AI algorithms. Previously, Sony Music and Warner Music Group notified AI companies that they must ask permission, pay licensing, and be transparent about their training datasets.

Broadway Contract Ratified

Broadway musicians have ratified a new contract. Musicians will see a 4.5% pay increase for performances, rehearsals, and other areas. The contract will be modified to make all provisions gender neutral. Under the agreement, which runs through August 31, 2025, the health and safety, music preparation, and copyist work groups will continue meeting regularly.

AFM Remains Steadfast in Its Priorities After Election

Following election results showing Donald Trump would be our next president and Republicans would control both the House of Representatives and Senate, AFM President Tino Gagliardi sent a message to AFM members reminding them that their solidarity will be needed more than ever in the next four years.

“We remain committed to actively defending our rights in the workplace and reinforcing the strength of our union together with the AFL-CIO and Canadian Labour Congress,” he said in part. “While our strategies may shift, our goals will remain focused and unwavering. Together, we will persist in our advocacy efforts for musicians on both sides of the border and work towards a brighter future.”

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