Organizing for Tomorrow: A New Chapter of Growth and Power

January 1, 2026

Tino Gagliardi  -  AFM International President

As we usher in the promise of a new year, it’s a moment of reflection and tremendous optimism. The AFM is not just holding steady; we are growing, evolving, and most importantly, organizing. Our success in 2025 has laid the foundation for the future, and I want to share the progress we’ve made together and the strategic steps we are taking to ensure our influence reaches every corner of the Federation.

This coming year will also be marked by a momentous event in our union’s history: the 103rd AFM Convention to be held in Ottawa, Canada, this June (more information can be found on page 21). This will be our first convention held in Canada since 1973, and it offers a pivotal opportunity to meet, deliberate, and solidify our shared vision for a stronger North American Federation.

A Year of Organizing Momentum

Our ability to organize and fight for better wages and working conditions is stronger than ever before. The rollout of our new officer training programs has been overwhelmingly successful. We are seeing a dramatic increase in engagement with freelance and independent musicians, who are stepping up to help define the future of the union. Every local that has participated in our training has responded enthusiastically and established local Freelance Organizing Committees.

AFM Director of Organizing Gabe Kristal has followed up with dozens of locals, strategically prioritizing and assisting locals who demonstrate initiative to grow. This systematic approach is already yielding landmark victories.

Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) has filed for recognition for three distinct bargaining units with Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (see article on page 10). Similarly, strong majorities are in place at the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, with filing for recognition with Local 380-443 (Twin Tiers, NY) imminent. Beyond these, we are actively building committees in at least a half-dozen other bargaining units, all poised to go public very soon.

In the freelance sector, the momentum is also undeniable. We continue to advise the Freelance Musicians Association. Our work with local unions to establish Freelance Local Organizing Committees is creating the critical mass necessary to collaborate with Fair Trade Music and achieve enforceable local standards for all gigging musicians. This is how we bring dignity and stability to the lives of working musicians.

The Strategic Investment in Our Future

At the December International Executive Board meeting, we recognized that, to sustain this growth, we must bring our organizing expertise closer to our members. I am proud to announce the creation of a new regional organizing structure at the international level. These regional roles will drive our growth across all sectors by providing specialized expertise and targeted support to locals and community initiatives.

•Western Region: To build on our existing momentum, we’ve already hired Ed Gutierrez as assistant director of organizing in the Western Office. He will also augment this region as a dedicated West Coast organizer.

•Eastern Region: The recent victories at Vista Philharmonic, Media Theater, and Arden Theatre Company, alongside active symphonic campaigns, demonstrate the necessity of having an organizer permanently stationed in this vital region.

•Southern Region: The Latin music scene is one of the most active live performance sectors, and this role will allow us to organize effectively within this dynamic community. With vibrant activity in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Texas, to name a few, we intend to hire a Spanish-speaking organizer.

•Midwestern Region: Following the officer training at the Midwest Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, this summer, the demand for organizing assistance has been overwhelming. While some larger locals like Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) have staff organizers, many smaller locals need guidance and hands-on assistance—the regional organizer will provide just that.

•Canadian: Following inspiring discussions at the Canadian Conference, the potential for organizing independent and freelance musicians in Canada is massive. A dedicated Canadian organizer is essential to advocate for agreements for regional music festivals and to advance the rights of Canadian musicians wishing to work across the border.

This is a deliberate and strategic investment that will transform how we grow. To staff this vital initiative, we are actively looking to hire four new international representatives/field organizers. You can find the job posting for these positions on page 32 of this issue. We encourage qualified, energetic individuals to apply and join us in this exciting chapter of the AFM’s history.

While the Federation is making this significant investment in regional growth, the ultimate strength of our Federation lies in the locals. I encourage locals to follow suit and hire their own organizers. The greater your local organizing presence, the greater your influence and potential for growth.

We understand that funding is often the primary constraint. That is why I want to draw your attention to a critical resource: Freelance Co-funding. Freelance Co-funding can directly assist locals in developing and maintaining programs beneficial to freelance musicians and remove financial limitations on vital organizing movements. (More information can be found in the article on page 12.)

During 2026, we will capitalize on the momentum we built in 2025. We begin the year by charting our course, and we will spend the rest of the year deepening our roots through regional organizing and local action. By working together—the Federation supporting the locals, and the locals engaging their members—we will continue to grow, secure landmark contracts, and create a sustainable, prosperous future for all professional musicians. Let’s make some noise in the new year!

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