No Intermission for Union Work

August 1, 2026

Tino Gagliardi  -  AFM International President

For many, August is synonymous with winding down, stepping away from the daily grind, and taking a well-deserved summer vacation. Many symphonic workplaces enjoy a brief summer hiatus. But for union leadership and player conference delegates and members, summer tells a very different story. While the rest of the world slows its pace, our player conferences jump into high gear.

Your AFM leadership attends all of these conferences, so my summer is defined by full schedules, packed agendas, and a lot of travel.

At the conferences, AFM leadership, musicians, and conference officers address the unique working conditions, challenges, and contractual needs of specific segments of our membership. The year’s season began in Dallas, Texas, in late July with the Theatre Musicians Association (TMA) Conference followed by the Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) Conference.

During August, the Organization of Canadian Symphony and Opera Musicians (OCSM) meets in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a focus on the distinct legal, cultural, and economic landscapes facing Canadian symphonic performers. Finally, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) gathers in Honolulu, Hawaii, August 19-22.

While racking up travel miles across these destinations might sound like a getaway on paper, make no mistake—these are not vacations. These conferences represent intense, focused work. By bringing members together from different locals, our player conferences strengthen the backbone of the AFM. They bridge geographical gaps, foster deep solidarity, and allow us to share vital information on contract standards, working conditions, and organizing strategies. The collective voice and vision emerging from these meetings guide the priorities and direction of our entire Federation.

Because these summer meetings require absolute commitment, they sometimes demand difficult trade-offs. Due to a scheduling conflict with the TMA conference, I was regrettably unable to attend the upcoming meeting of the Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy for the Office of the US Trade Representative. First appointed to the Committee in 2023, I represent entertainment workers alongside the Department of Professional Employees and Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). While representing our musicians on national policy panels is essential, navigating these overlapping commitments requires striking the right balance for each situation as it arises.

The power of our player conferences reflects a broader synergy: our union is strongest when we’re connected and we work together. To that end, I have also focused efforts on strengthening our alliances with other unions, both nationally and internationally. In today’s interconnected world, the music industry completely transcends borders.

It is not just about showing solidarity—there is also much we can learn from shared experiences and seeing how other labor organizations are growing and changing to meet modern challenges. Musicians tour globally, collaborate internationally, and can instantly reach fans around the world. Because of this, the AFM must also grow, adapt, and innovate with the times if we are to remain strong and relevant.

In addition to our conference travel, August brings us back to the bargaining table to continue negotiations for the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) in New York on August 4-6. Protecting our recording musicians, securing critical healthcare coverage, and establishing strong artificial intelligence protections in an evolving industry are essential to our future. Look for a much deeper dive into those negotiations and the work of the Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) in the September issue of International Musician.

I encourage you to read the feature articles from our Symphonic Services Division (SSD) and symphonic player conference reports in this issue, starting on page 10. This issue’s cover story puts a spotlight on the musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (Local 101-473), who are pushing back against severe proposed cuts to pay, personnel, and programming. See how the DPO Players Committee is building a courageous campaign alongside the AFM, local labor allies, and dedicated patrons.

Looking ahead, now is also the time to start planning your local Labor Day events, parades, and celebrations as we prepare to honor the power and history of our labor movement together. I look forward to browsing social media and seeing our locals represented at events.

To all who are traveling to represent your locals and conferences this month, I wish you safe travels. I look forward to connecting with many of you on the road and hope you all find well-deserved time to relax with family and friends this summer.

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