Alan Willaert

AFM Vice President from Canada

Copyright Reform: Why Bother?

July 24, 2018

On May 29, I appeared before the Heritage Committee and, on June 5, before the Committee on Industry, Science, and Technology, all part of the statutory review of Canada’s Copyright Act. Why is this important, and how does it affect you, our members?

Social Media Can Unite Musicians, But Unions Hold the Power for Results

June 11, 2018

Social media has provided our musicians and artists an entirely new way of reaching their target audience. It’s a wonderful way of expanding a fan base, posting daily activities and itineraries, and generally keeping the band relevant in a very competitive music environment.

We Negotiated What? Details of the Commercial Announcements Agreement

June 4, 2018

Negotiations have successfully concluded with the Association of Canadian Advertisers and the Institute of Communication Agencies. A deal in principle has been reached, which will extend to April 1, 2020.

Les médias sociaux pour s’unir, les syndicats pour agir

June 1, 2018

Les médias sociaux offrent à nos musiciens et artistes une façon tout à fait nouvelle de joindre leurs auditoires cibles. En effet, c’est un excellent moyen d’attirer de nouveaux admirateurs, d’afficher des activités au quotidien, des itinéraires et, de façon générale, de maintenir la pertinence d’un groupe dans un environnement musical très concurrentiel. Inévitablement, l’utilisation des médias sociaux aide également à créer un lien unique entre les musiciens eux-mêmes, qui s’appuient mutuellement et partagent ressources et information.

Qu’avons-nous négocié? Détails de l’Entente sur les messages publicitaires

April 30, 2018

Les négociations avec l’Association canadienne des annonceurs et l’Institute of Communication Agencies ont été couronnées de succès. En effet, nous avons conclu une entente de principe qui, une fois ratifiée, s’appliquera jusqu’au 1er avril 2020. La nouvelle Entente collective générale pour les messages publicitaires est plus compacte, à jour et, à certains égards, radicalement différente.

Le représentant local : une ressource précieuse de recrutement et de syndicalisation

April 2, 2018

Le représentant local qui se rend sur les lieux des prestations est une ressource très précieuse et souvent négligée.

Your Local Business Rep: A Valuable Tool for Recruitment and Organizing

April 2, 2018

A very valuable and often overlooked position in each AFM local’s personnel is the on-site representative (sometimes referred to as a “business agent”). Each local is required to have at least one person designated as such.

2018 Negotiations to Bring More Covered Work

March 1, 2018

The Canadian Office has several negotiations occurring simultaneously. Some of these negotiations are ongoing and others are just beginning.

Who Says This Stuff?

January 22, 2018

There is no doubt that the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) has been predominantly concerned of late in seeking new employers to bargain agreements with, and specifically those involved in media.

CFM Negotiates with the Media Giants

December 1, 2017

The General Production Agreement negotiated between the CFM and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has been ratified with an overwhelming majority.