Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Officers Columns

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AFMPresidentRayHairW

Ray Hair – AFM International President

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    AFM TEMPO Fund Is Our Voice in Washington

    As we enter Black History Month, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the immeasurable contributions of Black musicians to the vibrant tapestry of American music and for the contributions and sacrifices of Black labor and civil rights leaders.

    But Black History Month is more than just a retrospective. It’s an opportunity for reflection, for learning, and for action. It’s a time to acknowledge the systemic racism that long plagued our industry, from discriminatory hiring practices to the underrepresentation of Black voices in leadership positions.

    As your union president, I am committed to using my platform to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive music industry. We must work together to dismantle the barriers that continue to hold Black musicians back, to amplify their voices, and to create a truly level playing field for all.

    TEMPO Fund: Issues for US Musicians

    As the 119th Congress gets into full swing following last month’s inauguration, I wanted to remind you about our Taskforce for Employment of Musicians Promotional Organization (TEMPO) fund. This fund supports US lawmakers and candidates who champion issues important to musicians, including artificial intelligence, tax policies, copyright, and performance rights. These lawmakers understand the issues that musicians face every day.

    Federal law prohibits your dues money from being used for most political purposes. That’s why musicians have established TEMPO, which is solely funded by small contributions given by AFM musicians—like you.

    Below, I have highlighted some of the key legislative issues that AFM Director of Government Affairs Ben Kessler is actively working to address. I invite you to help us by advocating for these legislative proposals and supporting our work through your TEMPO donation.

    Protect musicians from artificial intelligence (AI) exploitation—All musicians must have control of their work and receive fair compensation. The Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act (H.R. 9551/ S. 4875) and Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act are meaningful first steps toward protecting artists from exploitation. In addition, the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act would create transparency in AI.

    Protect the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain—The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (H.R. 20 / S. 567) would ensure all workers have the right to organize and collectively bargain without interference.

    Ensure artists are compensated fairly for use of their recordings—The American Music Fairness Act (H.R. 791) would ensure artists are compensated when their music is played over terrestrial radio. The Protect Working Musicians Act (H.R. 5576) would allow artists to collectively negotiate with platforms and receive fair compensation for their streaming work (see page 6 for more information on streaming compensation).

    Support and build strong arts education—The Arts Education for All Act (H.R. 5463) would expand arts education programming, creating more opportunities for working musicians, expanding access to arts participation, and training the next generation of artists.

    Update outdated copyright regulations—Section 512 of the Copyright Act, which limits a service provider’s liability for infringed materials, needs to be updated. The safe harbor provisions are outdated and do not reflect changes in technology over the last 25 years.

    Ensure equality among musicians and other workers—The Equality Act would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Federation supports policy measures that promote diverse talent pipelines and inclusive hiring.

    Increase federal funding for the arts—National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants create jobs for musicians—with strong workplace protections—in all states and jurisdictions. The AFM supports increased NEA funding to at least $1 per capita (roughly $336 million).

    Implement fairer tax policy and deductions for performing artists and union members—The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (H.R. 2871) would update the Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction. Tax Fairness for Workers Act (H.R. 4963/S. 738) would make union dues tax deductible once again. The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act (H.R. 5456/S. 737) would end tax benefits for interfering in workers’ right to organize.

    Reform ticket sale laws to protect music fans from exploitive pricing—The Fans First Act (S. 3457) would empower artists to control and protect consumers from predatory ticket sale practices.

    All musicians deserve good wages, decent working conditions, health care, and a secure retirement. Your TEMPO contribution will allow the AFM to support lawmakers and candidates who advocate for these issues important to working musicians.

    Please visit: www.afm.org/what-we-are-doing/legislative/tempo/ to donate today. Your donation of any amount will make a difference when it comes to ensuring the voice of musicians is heard in Washington, DC.


    Contributions to TEMPO, PCC, the AFM’s separate segregated political fund, are used to help members of Congress who support AFM issues. TEMPO contributions can only be accepted from US members and are NOT tax deductible. Your decision to give is strictly voluntary and is NOT a requirement of membership in the union. For more information, please contact: TEMPO Coordinator Sandra Grier, 212-869-1330 ext. 215 or sgrier@afm.org.

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jay blumenthal

Jay Blumenthal – AFM International Secretary-Treasurer

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    “MAGA” – What Exactly Does That Mean?

    Since January 20 of this year, the relentless 24-hour news cycle drumbeat has forced me to reflect upon just what makes a nation great. I’ve read Project 2025, and it does not chart a pathway to national greatness.

    “A great nation is one that can feed the people.” That’s what a wise old Lakota elder once told me, and remembering those words set me to thinking:

    A great nation does not accept that its people have to dig through garbage dumpsters in hopes of finding something to eat. A great nation is one where nobody is hungry, with sufficient food to eat.

    A great nation is one where nobody is homeless; where everyone has a warm place to live. A great nation does not accept its people living in cardboard boxes in alleyways. With its “Housing First” strategy, Finland’s homeless rate was reported at .08% in 2020. That’s 8/100ths of a percent.

    A great nation is one that takes care of the health of its people. A great nation should not tolerate its people driven to financial desperation because of medical costs. According to a US News and World Report survey, the northern European/Scandinavian countries provide the best public health care systems in the world.

    A great nation is one that values the diversity of its people. The people of a great nation will understand the value of honoring and embracing the rich tapestry of cultures that form its collective human experience.

    A great nation is one that takes care of its environment for future generations. A great nation does not leave fouled air and water for its children and grandchildren to clean up. The people of a great nation leave their land in better shape than when they came to it.

    A great nation is one where the people take only what they need to live well; where those who, through hard work or luck of the draw, have more than they need share their good fortune for the wellbeing of their neighbors.

    A great nation takes care that its children are educated with truth, where books are cherished, not banned; where history is embraced, not shaped; where historical honesty, not comfort or convenience, is honored.

    A great nation is one that establishes enduring laws for the benefit of all its people, not a select few; laws that mean the same thing no matter who reads them, whether the reader wears a black robe, a suit, a uniform or overalls, whether the reader is in a legislature, a courtroom, a boardroom or a living room.

    A great nation values its art and culture, because its art and culture will be its only lasting and durable way of communicating to and being remembered by the future generations.

    A great nation is secure in its place in the world and coexists in harmony with its neighbors. The people of a nation existing in harmony are happy.

    The Lakota elder told me that the leaders of a great nation always follow the people, leading from the rear­—that way, no one gets left behind.


    Eric Stockton Welcomed to Secretary-Treasurer’s Office

    Avid readers of the International Musician will have noticed in last month’s issue that AFM Assistant Secretary Wages Argott, who joined my staff a year ago, has returned to his previous position in the President’s Office as Director of Freelance Services and Membership Development. That position is a good fit for Wages’ skills and strengths, and I know he will bring a renewed and refreshed energy to his department.

    Wages’ decamping back to the President’s Office created a vacancy on my staff, and I am pleased to announce that it has been filled by Eric Stockton, who assumed the position of Assistant Secretary on January 1. Eric is a freelance guitarist, active in the Local 802 (New York City) musical theater sector, and for the past year has worked as an administrator in the AFM Immigration Services department. In addition to being a bear for accurate and detailed work, Eric brings with him a passion for musicians organizing to build their power in the workplace. He will be a valuable addition to my office and an asset to the Federation.

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alan willaert

Alan Willaert – AFM Vice President from Canada

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    Trade, Tariffs, and Traveling to the US for a Gig

    The trade relationship between the US and Canada is the largest in the world. According to statistics on Wikipedia, the goods and services traded between our two countries totalled $923 billion in 2023. US exports were $441 billion, while imports were $482 billion, for a US $41 billion trade deficit with Canada.

    Canada historically held a trade deficit with the US every year since 1985 in net trade of goods, excluding services. The trade across the Ambassador Bridge, between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, alone is equal to all trade between the US and Japan.

    Energy trade is the largest component of this cross-border commerce. Canada has the third largest oil reserves (after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela). The US has historically been Canada’s only foreign market for natural gas, oil, and hydro. Agriculture (specifically dairy products) has been a source of tension in recent years, as is the importation of less costly prescription drugs from Canada to the US. Due to the Canadian government’s price controls, the cost of prescription drugs can be a fraction of the price paid by consumers in the US, where the market is unregulated. Over the years, other commodities, such as lumber, have been the subject of trade disputes in this chess game.

    What does this have to do with our industry? Well, buried way down in the list of trade issues are media and culture. While generally low on both governments’ priority lists, these are of high interest to our industry.

    For Canadian musicians, travel to the US for work requires a visa for all types of musical engagements. Expanding their careers into this larger market is a goal for many Canadian musicians. They currently face many challenges even after taking all the right steps to obtain a visa.

    Since June 2024, the process to apply requires more and more lead time due to longer processing times and administrative changes at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The delays seem to occur randomly in about 50% of the applications with no way to predict which ones will be delayed.

    The cost also continues to increase because growing backlogs and delays require the Premium Processing fee to be paid more frequently. AFM lobby efforts, both solo and with a committee of other US industry representatives and immigration attorneys, worked hard to prevent costs from increasing astronomically. (From $460-$510 for a P-2 visa, versus USCIS proposed $1,615, when new fee rules were implemented in April 2024.) Although costs are burdensome for all our members working in the US, this is a huge issue among independent, touring freelance musicians in Canada. And when they do not receive their visas in a timely manner, they can see entire tours crumble.

    With the new administration in power in Washington, DC, and the threat of higher tariffs looming, governments on both sides of the border are posturing, puffing out their chests with statements that threaten this, that, and the other.

    We are two countries, but we are one union. AFM staff continues to work together on both sides of the border to represent all members. Our P-2 visa staff work tirelessly to process visa applications, while pivoting to face processing hurdles USCIS throws in the way. We understand that this is a stressful time for members awaiting information on their visa status. Rest assured that our staff continue to work in a timely and efficient manner on their behalf.

    AFM Director of Government Affairs Ben Kessler and Executive Director AFM Canadian Office Liana White are the key point persons for the P-2 visa process, in respect to both lobbying and administrative work.

    At the AFM, we are collectively holding our breath on how trade will be affected between the US and Canada as the plans of the new US administration unfold. We will continue to work together as the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada to facilitate our Canadian musicians traveling to the US to work.

    Throughout history, as governments change and politics interfere with this critical piece of our world, we adjust, pivot, and endeavor to work together to do our best to make the lives of professional musicians better.

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Photo Dusty Kelly

Let’s Elect Governments that Work for Us

As I sit down to write my February column, wildfires in Los Angeles are still burning, Donald Trump is on the eve of commencing his second four-year term, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

The wildfires are certain to have a negative impact on the economy in Southern California. Not only are thousands of persons displaced, but thousands have lost their jobs. For gardeners, cooks, baristas, cleaners, drivers, waiters, performers, far too many occupations to list—the fires have destroyed their workplaces.

Tragically, many AFM and other entertainment union members have also lost their homes and tools of their trades, unable to work as they put their lives back together. The cause of these fires will be investigated. But make no mistake, climate change has played an oversized role with drought like conditions and unusually strong Santa Ana winds.

In my own home province of British Columbia, we too have had our fair share of wildfires. In 2021, the entire village of Lytton burnt to the ground. Not yet fully rebuilt, residents are still living in temporary housing. Severe windstorms are on the increase in Vancouver, and heavy rains have caused catastrophic mudslides as drought ravaged soil cannot absorb the excess volume of water.

In Toronto, our subways shut down last summer when sudden severe torrential downpours flooded the downtown stations. Don Valley Parkway, a major artery into the city, flooded too. Climate change is impacting our lives right in our own backyards.

We now have an individual taking control of the Oval Office, who flip-flops on their position on climate change, querying whether it is really manmade. In Canada, the political party leading in the polls to form the next government also has members who question if climate change is manmade.

Their leader, Pierre Poilievre, is a true career politician who has never known another job. He has yet to share any policies on climate change—except to “axe the tax” (referencing the carbon tax). Other snappy soundbites include “defund the CBC” and “burn, baby, burn.”

Let’s face it, no government is perfect and change in leadership is good, but it should not come at the expense of its citizenry’s well-being. More than ever in these times of change and crises we must elect people to government who work for us. We need government that does not pit worker against worker and that understands that, for our countries to take meaningful action on climate change, we need a just transition for those whose livelihoods are impacted by job losses.

Yet, politics has become driven by emotion and it shouldn’t be. Citizens around the world are electing politicians to governments that do not govern in their best interests, but in that of the politicians themselves and at the beckoning of their billionaire masters.

Emotions and stories, over facts and progressive policies, are driving the narrative. The party with the better stories, rather than the better achievements, is winning the day.

American Author Thomas Frank states: “You vote to strike a blow against elitism, and you receive a social order in which wealth is more concentrated than ever before in our lifetimes, workers have been stripped of power, and CEOs are rewarded in a manner that is beyond imagining … It’s like a French Revolution in reverse in which the workers come pouring down the street screaming more power to the aristocracy.”

My fellow Canadian members, I invite you to join me this spring by helping your constituencies elect a government that works for working people—a government that funds our cultural institutions and the arts, enacts legislation to protect human creators’ copyright, protects jobs in the age of artificial intelligence, acknowledges that climate change is manmade, funds public health care, and upholds the rights of workers to organize, in other words, a government that supports CFM musicians and their families.

We may be apt to disagree on various issues, but we should never lose sight of our and our family’s collective well-being. As AFM President Tino Gagliardi recently stated: “Our solidarity is needed now more than ever.”

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Labour and Progressive Movements Challenged by the Rise of the Right in the US and Canada

The indisputable rise of right-wing leaders in the US government culminated in an unequivocal victory for the Republican Party on November 5. Unfortunately, there is every reason to believe that a similar movement will bring the right-wing Conservative Party of Canada to power within a year.

What are the challenges trade unions face in the wake of the rise of the conservative right—and even the ultra-right? It is unmistakable that many workers, including union members, have abandoned the parties with which they are normally associated. Many workers and minorities say they felt left behind by liberal and progressive elites. That is why a populist like Donald Trump was able to position himself as the outsider capable of bringing about a radical change of course, even if it’s not at all clear that these changes could ultimately help the working class.

How could this happen? The left has not finished writing the postscript of its electoral strategy. However, we can see that, if the traditional base of the more left-wing parties is deserting them to branch off into right-wing populism, something has gone very wrong in communicating progressive ideas.

Yet, our trade union values are simple and universal: democracy, equality, solidarity, social justice, respect, and defense of rights. Now, more than ever, we must continue to fight to bring these ideals to the forefront and find a way to put them at the heart of the political landscape. The role of unions as political and social catalysts will be very important.

What to do now? Here’s a short list of issues that could stimulate the union fibre:

•Passionately lobby for economic policies that directly benefit the working and middle classes: better minimum wage, a social safety net for all artists, etc.

•Communicate directly and authentically with the public and reach a wider and more diverse audience by using more and better social media, such as Instagram, TikTok, podcasts, and influencers. Traditional media are no longer the best way to spread our values and get our message across.

•Get out of the trap of excessive polarization that divides our communities: listen, understand, don’t judge, seek compromise, be respectful, and promote constructive dialogue.

•Collaborate more with local organizations and community leaders to better understand and respond to grassroots needs.

It’s time to organize the resistance and continue the fight for our union values.

Les défis qui attendent le mouvement syndical et progressiste
après la montée de la droite aux É.-U. et au Canada

par Luc Fortin, membre du conseil exécutif international (IEB) de l’AFM et de la section locale 406 (Montréal, Qué.)

La montée indéniable de la droite aux États-Unis s’est concrétisée par une victoire sans équivoque du parti républicain le 5 novembre, et tout porte à croire que ce même mouvement donnera le pouvoir au parti de droite canadien d’ici un an. Quels sont les défis qui attendent maintenant le syndicalisme après la montée de la droite – et même de l’extrême droite – conservatrice? Il est maintenant clair que de nombreux travailleurs, dont des syndiqués, ont délaissé les partis auxquels ont les associait normalement. Beaucoup de travailleurs et de minorités disent s’être sentis négligés par les élites libérales et progressistes, et un populiste comme Donald Trump s’est positionné comme l’outsider capable d’apporter un changement de cap radical, même s’il n’est pas clair du tout que ces changements vont finalement aider les travailleurs. Le constat est cruel pour le mouvement syndical : la classe moyenne et les travailleurs – dont beaucoup de nos membres sans doute – ont vraiment cru que le message des politiciens progressistes et libéraux ne correspondait pas à leurs préoccupations.

Comment cela a-t-il pu arriver? La gauche n’a pas fini de faire le post mortem de sa stratégie électorale, mais on constate que si la base traditionnelle des partis plus à gauche les déserte pour bifurquer vers un populisme de droite, quelque chose s’est vraiment mal passé au plan de la communication des idées progressistes. Les valeurs syndicales sont pourtant simples et universelles : démocratie, égalité, solidarité, justice sociale, respect et défense des droits. Il faut plus que jamais continuer à se battre pour les mettre à l’avant-plan et trouver le moyen de les placer au cœur du paysage politique.

Les menaces pour le monde syndical seront nombreuses; parmi celles-ci, l’affaiblissement des droits des travailleurs à cause de la déréglementation, et la réduction du filet social, particulièrement en santé.

Que faire maintenant? Le rôle des syndicats sera très important en tant que catalyseur politique et social. Pour surmonter ces défis, les syndicats devront développer de nouvelles stratégies et alliances sur les plans national et international Voici une petite liste d’actions qui pourraient stimuler la fibre syndicale :

•Promouvoir avec passion les politiques économiques qui profitent directement à la classe ouvrière et aux classes moyennes : meilleur salaire minimum, filet social pour tous les artistes.

•Communiquer de façon plus directe et authentique avec le public en utilisant plus et mieux les médias sociaux – Instagram et Tik-Tok, podcasts, influenceurs, etc. pour passer notre message et atteindre un public beaucoup plus large et diversifié. Les médias traditionnels ne sont plus la meilleure façon de propager nos valeurs.

•Essayer de se sortir du piège de la polarisation à outrance qui divise nos communautés : écouter, comprendre, ne pas juger, chercher le compromis, respecter et promouvoir un dialogue constructif.

•Collaborer de plus en plus avec les organisations locales et les leaders dans les communautés pour mieux comprendre et répondre aux besoins de la base

Il faut maintenant organiser la résistance et continuer le combat en faveur de nos valeurs syndicales.

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Ed Malaga

Back to the Future at the Kennedy Center: A Lesson in Compromise

On July 23, the Pamphlet B touring production of Back to the Future arrived at The Kennedy Center for a three-week run. In the months leading up to that date, there had been speculation about the details of this production, including whether it utilized the virtual orchestra technology known as KeyComp. It was important because the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra agreement provides that virtual orchestras will not be used in conjunction with any work there without the consent of the union.

This provision was a point of contention in the previous year when productions of The Lion King and Frozen, both using KeyComp on their tours, came to the center. As a result, we were successful in restoring a larger orchestration for the run of The Lion King, which did not use prerecorded KeyComp tracks for its Kennedy Center appearance. In the case of Frozen, KeyComp was allowed in exchange for a three-year contract extension of the minimum guaranteed hours for the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (KCOHO).

At the start of 2024, we received information that KeyComp could be returning with the Back to the Future production. I contacted AFM Theatre/Touring/Booking Division Director George Fiddler to ask for an update on the status of this tour.

We did not receive final confirmation until the end of May that Back to the Future would indeed be using KeyComp. The request to utilize KeyComp was rejected by the KCOHO Committee and discussions began with the producers about how to bring the production into compliance with contract language. The solution required KeyComp’s developer, Christoph Buskies, to create new parts that would be necessary once the technology was decoupled from the musical score. This workaround required two new books to be created—one for keyboard and one for percussion. And it necessitated that two additional musicians be engaged to perform those parts for the Kennedy Center run.

I attended the first rehearsal on July 23 and had an opportunity to meet some of the musicians who would be performing in this production. It was the debut of this new version created for the run at the Kennedy Center. I was primarily interested in verifying that prerecorded tracks would not be used.

The band sounded fantastic reading this modified version of the score for the first time. I could tell by the reactions of the musicians that they were really enjoying some of the aspects of this new version. I also had the opportunity to meet briefly with Buskies, who arrived from Germany to oversee the transition of the new parts. In the end, this production was possible without the use of KeyComp and I would argue that its success was a result of the musicians performing those parts live.

At the time Back to the Future arrived at The Kennedy Center, we were in negotiations on a successor agreement with the center. One of their priorities was to eliminate the virtual orchestra clause from the agreement. This was a serious point of contention between our musicians and the center. One of the musicians’ key priorities was addressing a growing problem with their self-insured health care benefit.

With negotiations not going well, a strike authorization vote had been unanimously approved. At the eleventh hour, a deal came into view that would address both issues. The musicians would, for the first time in their history, be allowed access to Kennedy Center health plans, in exchange for allowing one presentation per contract year of a touring musical using KeyComp.

It should be emphasized that The Kennedy Center was not allowed to use this technology for its own productions. As difficult as it was for the musicians to accept this concession, it was in the best interest of their orchestra to move forward with these terms.

The issue of technology, as it affects our work, has been around for a long time. As a Federation of musicians, locals have a lot of autonomy concerning the agreements they bargain with employers in their jurisdictions. I have always felt that it would be beneficial to have a unified approach and standards in our agreements. This would be a vast undertaking given the nature of these contracts. That being said, whenever an unfamiliar situation arises in a local agreement that I am negotiating, I don’t hesitate to reach out to others who have experience with the subject. I have always been grateful for the information shared among our vast network of Federation officers, local officers, and player conference colleagues across our union. I offer this account in that spirit and look forward to continuing this work in the interest of all AFM musicians.

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Photo Dusty Kelly

Skilled Leadership and Education Builds Strong Locals

So, you find yourself elected to your local’s executive board, either as a titled officer or a member-at-large. Or perhaps you were elected to a negotiation committee, or your local’s diversity committee. Maybe you have been appointed as a steward or health and safety representative in your workplace. All these are signs you are recognized for your leadership qualities, you care about your fellow union members, and you want your local to be successful and thrive.

As a local officer you have an obligation and duty to provide your members with competent representation. But being an effective union leader is easier said than done. Let’s face it, music schools may teach musical leadership, but when it comes to training in union leadership, negotiation skills, running a local, and health and safety, you will need to look elsewhere. With the limited financial resources of many locals, access to union training is not readily available. Putting up your hand or accepting a leadership role is even harder if you feel you don’t have the skills to deliver!

The AFM Education Committee recognizes the need for ongoing skills training for all AFM officers and offers a two-day officer training program, which runs just prior to this year’s regional conferences. Given set budgets, the training sessions are more often limited to titled officers, typically those who would also be attending the conference. Although we encourage as much participation as possible, we also need to identify alternative opportunities for access to union training and education.

Both here in Canada and in the United States, most provinces and states have local labour councils and provincial/or statewide federations of labour. All AFM locals are required to be members. There are many advantages to labour council membership, not just for the solidarity but access to their extensive networks and resources dedicated to building a better life for workers and their families.

Those resources include union skills training programs on a variety of subjects: leadership, negotiations, diversity, communications, steward training, psychologically safe workplaces, and more. They are taught by labour lawyers, advocates, and other subject matter professionals. Courses are locally based, generally low cost, and if delivered through online technologies, more accessible than ever. Many unions and councils even offer scholarships or bursaries that are open to all union members.

A quick Google search of your local area labour council or labour federation will pull up a list and contacts. Here are some links to resources in Canada: canadianlabour.ca/who-we-are/labour-education and in the US: aflcio.org/what-unions-do/resources-union-activists/digital-trainings.

There are also many weeklong programs both in the United States and Canada; the Summer Institute for Union Women is in many regions in the US and the Canadian Labour Congress runs a Winter School in Canada.

The AFM Education Committee is committed to delivering the skills you need to do your job effectively, while building succession planning. We will be rolling out online modules to help address geographic and financial barriers. And, we are looking to expand beyond the present preconference sessions for in-person training.

Developing skilled leadership is key to building strong locals, and to the future success of the AFM.

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