Summer Sounds and Secure Futures with AFM Contracts

July 1, 2025

Allistair Elliott  -  AFM Vice President from Canada

Spring transitioning into summer signals a break from the routine of many orchestras’ seasons and sessional teaching, and there is often a switch to music festivals, summer music programs, touring (jazz festival circuit), or finding time for much needed rest and rejuvenation or perhaps writing and recording. Whatever you find yourself doing over the summer, remember to file AFM contracts. Additional pension contributions can make a difference. Your local can help find the right contract to cover your work.

Having spent a few days last month at East Coast Music Week reminded me of the importance of the collective bargaining agreement we have there. It covers minimum scales for showcases, performances, the awards show, and has pension contributions for all the performers. Our relationship with East Coast Music Association also provides us the opportunity to speak on panels, hold town hall discussions, and have a booth presence.

Several AFM locals in Canada have had success negotiating agreements with local festivals. Local 553 (Saskatoon, SK), with just under 300 members, has agreements with their local jazz festival.

When musicians work with their local, there are opportunities to build community and create better working conditions that include pension contributions and improved remuneration. Municipalities and provinces fund many of these events with taxpayer money. With some planning and time, building organizing efforts in the freelance world can create solidarity in the community, build a stronger local, and unite musicians.

The Health Arts Plan that we circulated a couple of months ago might be a tool to negotiate contributions toward additional benefits for freelance members. What other possibilities are there in your local? How many festivals take place over the summer months that have live music performances?

However you spend your summer, may your travels be safe and uneventful.

In other news, I’m pleased to report we have completed negotiations with CBC for a new three-year agreement. The agreement is still being edited and should be sent for ratification this month. The highlights show wage increases of 9% and a small increase in pensions. A Generative Artificial Intelligence Side Letter creates guardrails on AI use and provisions for the negotiation of remuneration.

I want to thank our negotiating committee of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ) Executive Director Guy Bernard, Local 571 (Halifax, NS) Director of Operations Julia Jordan, Local 149 (Toronto, ON) Executive Director and AFM International Executive Board Member Dusty Kelly, retired Local 547 (Calgary, AB) Secretary-Treasurer Doug Kuss, Local 180 (Ottawa, ON) Secretary-Treasurer Robin Moir, AFM Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) Director John Painting, and Canadian Office Executive Director Liana White and Director of Administration Susan Whitfield for their assistance, expertise, and patience.

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