Year In Review: Looking Back on 2025

November 30, 2025

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For the labor movement and for people of all stripes, 2025 has been fraught with historic challenges. Workers across both the US and Canada have demonstrated resilience and strength in the face of unprecedented attacks on labor. Despite challenges, the AFM and other unions celebrated remarkable wins in 2025.

Among the AFM’s biggest 2025 priorities were researching and lobbying for protections for the creative community from the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Rapid advancements in technology continue to pose significant threats to musicians’ livelihoods, including AI generated compositions replicating artists’ unique styles and replacing human performers. The effort to protect artists is an international endeavor. This year, the AFM also made concerted efforts to bring film and television scoring back to the US after years of films using cheaper overseas markets.

Here we detail some of the significant news that affected our members during 2025.

JANUARY

Musicians Supporting Musicians

During the tragic Palisades and Eaton fires—the most destructive to ever hit Los Angeles County—dozens of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) members lost their homes, studios, and musical instruments. The AFM reminded members about the AFM Emergency Relief and Local 47 Musicians Relief funds to provide assistance to musicians facing hardship due to natural disasters and other emergencies.

FMSMF Reflects on Its First Year Under New Leadership

The Film Musicians Secondary Market Fund (FMSMF) reflected on its first year under Executive Director Brian Sickles. For 2024, collections remained steady at over $144 million, with more than 18,000 musicians and their beneficiaries receiving residual payments. The fiscal year saw 170 titles contributing for the first time.

FEBRUARY

Successor Videotape Agreement Achieved

Following three rounds of negotiations, a tentative three-year successor Videotape Agreement was achieved on February 28, delivering substantial benefits to members. The new contract includes: a wage increase of 5% in the first year, 4% in the second, and 3% in the third; Health and Welfare increases; a new Grievance and Arbitration procedure; changes to new media side letters; and protections against generative AI.

AFM President Issues Statement Condemning Firing of NLRB Member Wilcox

AFM President Tino Gagliardi issued a statement condemning the unlawful firing of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Member Gwynne Wilcox. The AFM joined fellow AFL-CIO unions endorsing a congressional letter to President Donald Trump calling for the immediate reinstatement of Wilcox to the board. When Wilcox was fired in the middle of her five-year term, the board was left without a quorum. While a US District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order finding that Wilcox was unlawfully dismissed, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled against her reinstatement in May.

AFM Joins Entertainment Union Coalition Campaigns for Restoring Movie Jobs in California

In February, the AFM became a member of the Entertainment Union Coalition (EUC) in California. The coalition is focused on advocating for the expansion of California’s film and television tax incentives. “This is a critical time for musicians. The AFM is excited to formally join forces with our fellow entertainment unions,” says AFM President Gagliardi. Members of AFM Local 47 and Local 7 (Orange County/Long Beach, CA) traveled to Sacramento with more than 100 other members of the Entertainment Union Coalition (EUC) to advocate for increased film and TV jobs across the state. AFM members shared public comments about the entertainment industry’s impact on jobs and the livelihoods of workers across California.

Eastern Music Festival Threatens Cuts After Musicians Reject Agreement

After over a year of negotiations, the Eastern Music Festival (EMF) musicians rejected management’s plan to cut faculty positions, prompting EMF to cancel its 2025 season in late February. Local 342 (Charlotte, NC) filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge and placed EMF and its executive director on the AFM International Unfair List. In June, the EMF artists hosted a free concert and rally with more than 600 people in attendance and another 4,000 watching the livestream. On October 6, EMF Board of Directors announced dissolution of the organization, but before the month was over, a core group of funders raised about $1 million to maintain the original faculty size and festival model, forming a new nonprofit called the “Eastern Festival of Music.”

MARCH

AFM and CWA Announce Video Game Alliance

At this year’s Game Developers Conference, held March 17-21 in San Francisco, California, the AFM announced a new partnership with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) to organize video game workers and launch United Video Game Workers-CWA. In a conference panel, video game workers movingly portrayed the inequity of game development and the power of organized labor to make it better.

Argyle Theatre Musicians Win First Contract

Musicians of Local 802 (New York City) who work for the historic Argyle Theatre in Babylon, New York, won their first union contract, achieving a 17% wage increase, job security, pension contributions, a prohibition of virtual orchestra technology, and more. The newly renovated theater dates to 1921. It began offering six annual main stage productions in 2018.

Local 433 Leaflets SXSW

Local 433 (Austin, TX) musicians leafleted Austin’s South By Southwest (SXSW) Music festival, March 7-15, and conducted an exit survey of musicians playing the festival. Though SXSW claims to create opportunities for musicians, performers must pay a fee just to apply.

New Orleans Musicians Step Up to Modernize Local

After years of challenges, rank-and-file musicians from Local 174-496 (New Orleans, LA) embarked on grassroots organizing and stepped up during the trusteeship to modernize operations and prioritize the needs of all working musicians. The new administration and officers mark a turning point for the local.

APRIL

New AFM Code of Conduct and #NotMe App

A new AFM Code of Conduct on Discrimination and Harassment marks the Federation’s rededication to upholding professional standards and addressing the toxic and often unlawful workplace culture that many of our members face daily. The AFM launched the secure, encrypted platform #NotMe to allow members to report a range of concerns, including harassment, contract and policy violations, unresolved payroll discrepancies, and instances of feeling unsafe, in any way. The Federation hopes to encourage a union culture and work environments free from misconduct by ensuring musicians’ concerns are heard and taken seriously.

New Health Plan Announced for Canadian Musicians

AFM Vice President from Canada Elliott announced a new benefit for Canadian members. The Arts and Entertainment Plan now provides affordable health care for musicians and their families.

AFM Musicians Unite at Hands-Off Rallies

“Hands Off!” protests on April 5, marked a powerful and unified stand against the most audacious power grab in modern history. Over 1,400 events spanned all 50 states and hundreds of thousands of participants. From bustling rallies in Washington, DC, to smaller gatherings in cities and towns across the country, the message was clear: Americans are fed up with policies that prioritize the wealthy at the expense of democracy and basic rights.

MAY

AFM Announces Initiatives for Freelance Musician Engagement

In his column, AFM President Gagliardi announced a focus on increasing services and visibility for freelance musicians. To do this, the AFM is developing education programs and electronic media structures specifically tailored to indie musicians. In addition, the Federation is participating in more music industry events and trade shows, expanding the GoProHosting web hosting service, and updating the AFM’s Venuology and GoProTunes..

Blue Canvas Orchestra Returns to Big Top with First CBA

Following a tough battle that lasted almost a full year, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, house band for Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, celebrated its first collective bargaining agreement in May. The agreement provides 10% annual raises over the next three seasons, resulting in a 33% gain by 2027. Musicians will now receive mileage compensation, meal stipends, and hotel reimbursements. Other protections established include breaks and caps on rehearsal times, safety guarantees, protections against discrimination, and a grievance procedure.

DPE Announces Coalition to Defend Professional Integrity in the Federal Sector

On May 6, the AFL-CIO Department of Professional Employees (DPE), of which the AFM is a member, announced the formation of the Coalition for Professional Integrity. Reports of federal workers forced to circumvent the law and forgo professional standards have become commonplace. Labor unions and organizations across the country saw a need to speak out. In an op-ed, DPE President Jennifer Dorning noted that, in the last four months, at least 121,000 federal employees have been fired or selected for layoffs, and over 75,000 additional federal employees have been pressured into taking buyouts.

AFM Pushes Back on Trump’s Attacks on Springsteen and Swift

On May 16, AFM President Gagliardi issued a statement in response to President Trump’s attacks on AFM members Bruce Springsteen, of Local 47 and Local 399 (Asbury Park, NJ), and Taylor Swift, of Local 257 (Nashville, TN).

“The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada will not remain silent as two of our members—Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift—are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States. Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians; they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world. Whether it’s Born in the USA or the Eras Tour, their music is timeless, impactful, and has deep cultural meaning. Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members,” says Gagliardi.

Tax Incentives Boost Music Jobs in New York State

In a boost for music jobs across New York State, scoring work for the television and film industry will now be considered a “qualified cost” under the New York State Film Production Tax Credit program. Producers now have the financial incentive to also score Made in New York films in the state. The scoring tax credit is in addition to other New York film production incentives.

JUNE

FIM Inspires International Activism for Musicians

During June 25-27, AFM President Gagliardi, Vice President from Canada Elliot, and Symphonic Services Division Director Rochelle Skolnick attended the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) 23rd Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. Topics of debates and panels were: artificial intelligence; equality, diversity, and inclusion; freelance and independent musicians; and the impact of on-demand radio.

MPTF Sponsors Juneteenth Musical Celebrations

The Music Performance Trust Fund distributed $193,000 in grants to support 66 admission-free, live concerts and events recognizing Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Millions Across the Country Rally on No Kings Day

More than 5 million people, including many AFM members sounding their instruments, rallied in cities and towns across the country for protests on June 14, “No Kings Day.” The mass mobilization effort, one of the largest in US history, was in response to the Trump administration’s increasing authoritarianism and blatant corruption.

JULY

Vista Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians Push for Union Protection

The July IM detailed the story of the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra (VPO) musicians and their push to organize in response to changes in the structure of the organization. VPO falls under the jurisdiction of Local 173 (Fitchburg, MA), which is assisting in the effort. The musicians held an 80-8 vote in favor of the local’s representation.

Fight for AI Consent, Credit, and Compensation Continues

On July 1, the Senate voted 99-1 to defeat the proposed moratorium on states regulating artificial intelligence. An unusual group of allies, including the AFM, Republicans, and consumer rights organizations, came together in opposition. Then, on July 23, the White House unveiled its “Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” including discarded remnants of the state regulation ban. Artists, creators, musicians, and copyright owners are nowhere in the report.

AUGUST

AFM Joins Copyright Alliance

In early August, the Copyright Alliance, representing copyright interests of over 2 million creators and more than 15,000 organizations, welcomed the AFM. The Copyright Alliance works to promote policies that protect copyrights and support creators and innovators. “As an organization that is committed to representing the rights and benefits of our members through collaboration, negotiation, and advocacy initiatives, we are pleased to join the Copyright Alliance at a time when it’s more critical than ever to protect the work and livelihoods of musicians,” says AFM President Gagliardi.

MPTF Trustee Dan Beck Retires

At the end of August, Dan Beck stepped down as Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) Trustee. Beck steered the MPTF out of roughly 13 years of declining revenue following the switch from physical products to digital distribution of recordings. Fortunately, the AFM and major labels found common ground to inject streaming revenue back into the fund starting in 2015. During COVID, Beck led the MPTF in securing its first funding for livestreamed events and in reinstating its scholarship programs. The MPTF has reached a new normal over the past two years. Revenue plateaued at around $6 million, and MPTF now has an unrestricted reserve of $11 million to weather future economic challenges. Effective September 1, Greg Linn assumed the position of Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) trustee.

Support for Unions Remains Strong

Despite the Trump administration’s anti-union actions, an August 2025 Gallup Poll indicated that 68%—nearly seven in 10 US adults—approve of labor unions, marking the fifth consecutive year of 67-71% approval. In the poll, 90% of Democrats, 69% of Independents, and 41% of Republicans expressed support for unions.

ICSOM Conference Joins MAD Rally

On August 23, the final day of the International Conference of Orchestra Musicians (ICSOM) Conference, delegates departed the hotel to join a Musicians Against Dictators (MAD) rally hosted by Local 4 (Cleveland, OH). ICSOM Chair Keith Carrick and AFM President Gagliardi spoke at the rally. It was a potent demonstration of solidarity, highlighting how artists and labor organizations stand together to protest authoritarianism and ensure that the voices of the people—and the music they create—can be heard freely.

SEPTEMBER

AFM and Hollywood Labor Condemn ‘State Censorship’ of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumed broadcast in September after a controversial suspension by ABC. The network pulled the show when remarks Kimmel made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk were deemed inappropriate. The show’s suspension sparked widespread backlash and boycotts targeting Disney/ABC, Nextstar Media Group, and Sinclair Broadcast Group. In an appearance on CNN, AFM President Gagliardi issued a strong statement in support of free speech and free artistic expression, calling the pulling of the show an act of state censorship in an appearance on CNN. Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe and other union leaders spoke at a rally. The Hollywood labor unions—AFM, SAG-AFTRA, DGA, and IATSE—issued a joint statement condemning the removal of the show.

Musicians of Newport Symphony Orchestra Unionize

Musicians in the Newport Symphony Orchestra have unionized with Local 99 (Portland, OR). Organizing efforts began during the pandemic. Then, in April of this year, the musicians presented management with a request for voluntary recognition, and after several months, management agreed. The bargaining unit includes 48 tenured musicians and about 35 regular substitute musicians and extras.

Philadelphia Musicians Coalition Holds Town Hall

On September 15, the Philadelphia Musicians Coalition, backed by Local 77 (Philadelphia, PA), held a town hall meeting and call to action at Philadelphia’s AFL-CIO headquarters. The grassroots organizing body meets weekly to discuss and strategize around issues relating to Philadelphia’s deep and vibrant jazz scene.

Canadian Artists Supported by Music Groups at CRTC Hearing

A recent Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) hearing discussed the future of Canadian and Indigenous audio content. The CRTC has decided to impose a 5% contribution requirement toward the creation of new Canadian music and stream services that make $25 million or more in annual revenue. Canadian music currently has a low market share of streams in Canada—only about 10%.

OCTOBER

Broadway Settles with Unions

AFM musicians, members of Local 802, and Actors’ Equity Association actors threatened strikes over stalled contract negotiations. Both received strong support from each other, the public, and international organizations as they finally reached agreement and averted the strikes. More than 14,000 members of the public signed a letter in support of Broadway musicians and actors, and the AFM received letters of support from elected leaders, the International Federation of Musicians, and the British Musicians’ Union.

Vancouver Musicians Triumph After Strike

On October 5, a tentative contract agreement was reached between the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and its musicians, bringing an end to the orchestra’s first-ever strike after 10 days on the picket lines. The walkout began on September 26.The musicians, represented by Local 145 (Vancouver, BC) were advocating for a 23% raise to bring their wages in line with their peers in other Canadian orchestras.

The musicians’ position was significantly bolstered by an extraordinary outpouring of solidarity from international musicians, VSO patrons, donors, and vital collaboration from the broader Vancouver labour community, including IATSE, CUPE, and BCTF. Mediation through the British Columbia Labour Relations Board proved instrumental, allowing both parties to reach an agreement in principle that prioritized getting the musicians off the picket lines and back on stage immediately, pending final ratification.

Puerto Rico Music Education Kicks Off

AFM Director of Organizing Gabe Kristal visited Local 555 (San Juan, PR) in October to lead the inaugural “Play Your Part” education sessions for freelance musicians. Based on the meeting, the local’s freelance musicians decided to form the Indie Musicians’ Organizing Committee to support and protect Puerto Rico’s rich musical tradition.

November

Longest Federal Government Shutdown Ends

On October 1, the longest federal government shutdown in history began after Congress failed to pass appropriation bills to fund the government. The main impasse was over health care funding, with Senate Democrats refusing to sign a bill without an extension of the expanded Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. The standoff caused widespread disruptions, including air travel and federal food assistance programs. A compromise bill was passed and signed into law by President Trump on November 12.

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