This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

I have used this story, the source of which is unknown, as an illustration and call to action on a few occasions over the last few years. It’s a lighthearted story that has circled in workplaces and educational institutions, however, for us collectively, as union members, it carries a vital, urgent warning and a call to action.

Every edition of the International Musician provides updates of the challenges and victories from negotiating collective agreements to gain improved pay and working conditions. But if we fall into the trap of these four characters, we risk losing everything that our union, and the labor movement, has fought to build.

A union is not a third-party service provider. It is not an office in a distant building, nor is it just the person that answers the phone or responds to the email when there is a complaint, neither is it the staff and elected officials at the national or international office. The union is you! It is the collective power of working people standing together to support one another. When we assume Somebody will show up to the rally, that Anybody can fill out the survey, or the Everybody is already writing their elected government officials or voting in the upcoming election, we create a vacuum where Nobody acts.

Our collective bargaining power and workplace rights do not maintain themselves. They rely entirely on active engagement. When we don’t step up, management steps in. When we don’t speak up, our working conditions deteriorate. Relying on somebody else to do the hard yards weakens the collective front and leaves us all vulnerable.

We can’t afford to let Nobody do what Anybody could have done. It is time for Everybody to step up.

True solidarity requires action. Being a member means more than just paying dues—it means showing up, speaking up, and standing up. When we all speak up with the same collective message we are heard. When we all stand up together, we will be noticed. Small consistent actions by Everyone creates unstoppable momentum. Here are three things you can do to move from a passive bystander to an active participant, today:

Attend: Take an hour or two to attend your next local meeting and learn what is happening.

Speak: Talk to one or two colleagues this week about the current campaigns and advocacy efforts that are happening.

Act: Make sure you cast your vote in municipal, provincial, or union elections.

Don’t wait for Somebody else to protect your future. Take accountability to create action, support your colleagues, union campaigns, and advocacy, and let’s ensure that Everybody does the job that Anybody can do.

When a union launches a major campaign and call to action, the best success comes when members step up and get involved. That time is now.

Last month, I referenced the breach-of-contract lawsuit that was filed by the AFM against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG). The suit alleges the labels violated the Sound Recording Labor Agreement by failing to compensate session musicians following lucrative artificial intelligence (AI) licensing deals, which came on the heels of settlements reached with AI generators Suno and Udio.

Recently, in Canada, the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) announced a lawsuit against Suno. The suit cites 150 Suno songs that are identical or nearly identical to works by Canadian creators, including Joni Mitchell of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), The Weeknd, The Tragically Hip, and others. SOCAN wants the AI company to comply with copyright law and for artists to have a say in how their works are used.

Nestled among the intellectual property and copyright questions and lawsuits, an almost unanimous voice emerged from a significant sector of AI tech giants, asking for governments to implement control and legislation. When tech leaders express concern over their own capabilities, governments must act immediately. Policymakers must establish a balanced framework that safeguards ethics and protections without stalling innovation.

With summer in the rearview mirror, AFM’s focus returns to key negotiations. Bargaining continues on a generative AI side letter with the Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA) to complement the Independent Production Agreement (IPA). Strategy also remains focused on Canadian broadcasters Rogers, Corus Entertainment, and Bell Media, alongside upcoming renewals for the TV Ontario Agreement (TVO) and ongoing AFM Sound Recording and Labour Agreement talks scheduled for early November.

AFM recording agreements provide a network of protections and future income streams for any recordings that you do. Last month’s International Musician provided an excellent breakdown of which contract you can use in various situations. Past IM editions can be accessed digitally on afm.org. If you are planning to record, or have a recording ready to release, contact your local and/or our Canadian Office for further assistance on how to make sure your music is protected to provide future income revenue.

Finally, the House of Commons Standing Committee released its 2026 budget recommendations, reflecting joint advocacy efforts by numerous stakeholders and unions across Canada. Industry-related recommendations include:

Recommendation 5: Amend the Copyright Act to adopt the Artist’s Resale Right for Canadian visual artists in secondary markets.

Recommendation 6: Enshrine CBC/Radio-Canada’s independence and establish stable statutory per capita funding aligned with G7 public broadcasters.

Recommendation 7: Require AI developers to obtain permission, compensate rightsholders, and disclose training data sources. Reject text/data mining copyright exceptions and modernize the private copying regime via a modest $3 per device levy.

Recommendation 8: Introduce a tax on internet service providers.

Recommendation 9: Fulfill financial commitments made at the Banff Summit.

Recommendation 10: Permanently increase the Canada Council for the Arts’ parliamentary appropriation.

Recommendation 11: Provide federal tax credits for synchronization licenses to incentivize using Canadian musical works in audiovisual productions.

Recommendation 12: Permanently increase annual funding for the Canada Music Fund.

Recommendation 14: Strengthen the Online Streaming Act by establishing Canadian content spending and exhibition requirements for digital platforms.

Recommendation 15: Expand access to cultural facilities in rural and urban communities.

Recommendation 129: Preserve and strengthen the cultural exemption during the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review and international trade deals to protect domestic cultural policies against digital and AI technologies.

The Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM) conference wrapped up last week in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Celebrating their 50th year, delegates from 21 orchestras across Canada met and shared orchestra reports. They also heard from Orchestras Canada Executive Director Katherine Carleton, the Musicians Pension Fund of Canada, and other guest speakers. Attendees took part in an interactive discussion with AFM Symphonic Services (SSD) Director Rochelle Skolnick and Field Negotiator Richard Sandals. Delegates met the newest member of our Canadian SSD staff, Chantal Brunette. As a French speaking bilingual negotiator, Brunette brings additional depth to our staff.

Having attended the Theater Musicians Association (TMA), Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA), Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM), and International Conference of Symphony Musicians (ICSOM) conferences, I want to express my thanks to the leadership and delegates of each. The inclusive hospitality, and opportunities to listen and share about working conditions, victories, and challenges, are vitally important to the health and wellness of our collective players associations. Most of all, thank you for taking time out of your summer to show up and speak up.

As reported in the July International Musician, a breach of contract lawsuit has been filed against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG). The suit alleges that the labels violated the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) by failing to compensate session musicians after making lucrative artificial intelligence licensing deals. The legal action follows settlements the labels reached with AI music generators Suno and Udio. While those agreements allow the tech platforms to continue utilizing vast catalogs of recorded music for generative AI training, the AFM argues the labels pocketed the revenue, while completely bypassing the creators who played on the tracks.

The importance of using an AFM recording contract for all recorded music has never been more critical to the protection of your music. Even if you record a solo track as a guest artist on someone’s recording, you should use an AFM recording contract. In this specific instance, the Single Song Overdub Agreement would be the one to look at, although contracting under the SRLA would also be an option. Protecting your sound, compositions, and artistry to make sure you are credited, compensated, and can choose to provide or withhold consent for future use is just smart business practice.

Releasing your recording without such protection, into a world where machine learning is eating up whatever it can find and strengthening the technology with all that it inhales, could mean you are supporting the technology that may eventually replace your spot on the recording. As we fight these battles in negotiations, do your part to make sure you have the protection of an AFM contract. Please reference the EMSD articles in this issue, and always know staff is available to assist through your local. It just might make you more money someday. That’s what the union can do for you, but only if you do it for yourself too!

It is with sadness I share the August 1 passing on of Mark Johnson, former secretary-treasurer and president of Local 547 (Calgary, AB). Johnson joined the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in 1978 as principal bass trombone and held that position for 24 seasons. I met him when I first joined the Executive Board of Calgary Musicians Association in the 1990s. Johnson led by example, always putting members first and served with the highest integrity. He also served as vice president of the Canadian Conference, and went on to represent orchestra musicians nationally, working as part of the AFM Canada staff from 2004 to 2006. Sincerest condolences to his wife Stephanie and daughters Katrina and Nicola.

With the 103rd AFM Convention in the rearview mirror, I want to thank those delegates who reached out to express how much they enjoyed having the convention in Canada and gave positive comments about experiencing Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, as a host. Also, thanks to all the Federation staff and officers, as well as Local 180 (Ottawa, ON), who were involved in the details and planning to make the convention in Ottawa a reality.

Our convention, and many of our guest speakers, referenced how important international solidarity is, particularly at this moment in history. The theme of “Two Countries, One Union” was exemplified by the unified discussion and support for the challenges that musicians face crossing borders. Given that this edition of the International Musician is dedicated to highlighting the Symphonic Services Division, it is timely to share some changes that are affecting members of Canadian locals working in symphony orchestras across the country.

Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) covering members working in symphony orchestras are local agreements. Back in the spring, an issue was brought to my attention that affects some of our members. The audition process for hiring musicians in symphony orchestras in Canada varies from CBA to CBA. However, once hired, if a musician is coming from another country, there is a path from temporary foreign worker to permanent resident.

In the context of current politics, the government of Canada has recently reviewed that process, and has paused the program. This leaves some symphony musicians, who have won an audition, moved to a Canadian city, taken a job with a Canadian orchestra, gained tenure, and contributed all there is to contribute into their community, stuck in a government black hole.

The reality is, while they relocated to Canada under an understood set of circumstances, the goalposts have moved. While the government analyses the big picture immigration situation, we have members working and contributing who are now facing challenges they did not expect because of a number of changes. For example, their partner did not receive a spousal work permit, the timeline and rules to become a permanent resident has stalled, and they no longer know how long, or if they can, stay in Canada and become a resident. These members are now stuck in a political gap, without answers they need to make career decisions.

I understand there is another part of this conversation about future hiring, but this is about protecting our current members, their jobs, and the fundamental issue of union solidarity. While we wait to find out how Canadian-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) discussions progress concerning crossing the border to work in the US, I met with Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to investigate the situation. While the program from temporary foreign worker to permanent residency was paused for evaluation, that evaluation is complete, and a report is expected to be released soon. From the IRCC meeting, I learned that while Canada is committed to modernizing the express entry program and is still committed to attracting top talent and a Build Canada Strategy, they recognise there is a gap in the system. They are looking for a pinpoint strategy. As we approach the 50th conference of the Organization of Canadian Symphonic Musicians (OCSM) Conference in Winnipeg later this month, I will share any further updates on the subject.

It’s critical that, as union members, we support one another in solidarity that spans borders, musical genres, and other labor organizations. Let’s all recognize and acknowledge the importance of standing together in solidarity, between provincial differences, across Canada and the US, within our Canadian Labour Congress, the AFL-CIO, the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), our regional conferences, our player conferences, and with other unions. Union strong, together!

Les musiciens symphoniques étrangers devant l’incertitude

par Allistair Elliott, vice-président de l’AFM pour le Canada

Le 103e Congrès de l’AFM est derrière nous, et j’aimerais remercier les délégués qui m’ont communiqué à quel point ils ont aimé participer à un congrès en sol canadien et qui n’avaient que des bons mots à dire sur Ottawa, notre ville hôte. Je tiens également à remercier le personnel et les dirigeants de la Fédération, ainsi que la section locale 180 (Ottawa, Ont.), qui ont participé à la planification et contribué à faire du congrès d’Ottawa une réalité.

Le congrès et beaucoup des conférenciers invités ont fait ressortir l’importance de la solidarité entre nations, surtout en ce moment. Les discussions consensuelles et le soutien exprimé aux musiciens qui se heur-tent à des difficultés à la frontière ont bien illustré le thème du congrès, « Deux pays, un syndicat ». Comme le présent numéro d’International Musician est consacré à la Division des services symphoniques, il est à propos d’aborder certains changements touchant les membres des sections locales canadiennes qui œuvrent dans des orchestres symphoniques partout au pays.

Les conventions collectives qui couvrent les musiciens symphoniques ont une portée locale. Au printemps dernier, une situation qui touche certains de nos membres m’a été signalée. Le processus d’audition qui mène à la sélection des musiciens varie d’une convention collective à l’autre; toutefois, si un musicien dont la candidature est retenue provient d’un autre pays, il doit suivre la voie d’accès qui lui permet de passer du statut de travailleur temporaire à celui de résident permanent.

Dans le contexte politique actuel, le gouvernement du Canada a revu le parcours menant à la résidence permanente et mis le programme sur pause. Ainsi, certains musiciens qui ont remporté une audition, déménagé au Canada, accepté un emploi au sein d’un orchestre symphonique, décroché un poste permanent et apporté leur contribution à la société sont aujourd’hui pris dans un cul-de-sac gouvernemental.

De fait, pour les musiciens qui sont venus s’établir au Canada parce qu’un emploi les y attendait, les critères ont changé. Alors que le gouvernement analyse la situation de l’immigration au pays, des membres qui travaillent et contribuent à la société se heurtent à des difficultés qu’ils n’avaient pas prévues en raison d’un certain nombre de changements. Par exemple, leur partenaire n’a pas pu obtenir de permis de travail pour membre de la famille, les délais et les règles d’obtention de la résidence permanente ont été modifiés, et ils ne savent pas pendant combien de temps ils pourront rester au Canada et s’ils obtiendront la résidence permanente. Ces membres sont victimes du contexte politique, incapables d’obtenir les réponses qui leur permettraient de prendre des décisions professionnelles éclairées.

Je comprends également les enjeux liés à l’embauche future, mais il est question ici de la protection des droits de nos membres actuels et de leurs emplois, et de l’enjeu fondamental de la solidarité syndicale. Alors que nous attendons les résultats des discussions entourant les déplacements professionnels aux États-Unis dans le cadre de la renégociation de l’Accord Canada–États-Unis–Mexique (ACEUM), j’ai rencontré des représentants d’Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC) pour tenter d’en savoir plus. La voie d’accès de la résidence temporaire à la résidence permanente a été mise sur pause aux fins d’évaluation, mais cette évaluation est terminée et un rapport sera publié sous peu. La rencontre avec IRCC m’a permis d’apprendre que le gouvernement cherche à moderniser le système Entrée express. Il demeure également déterminé à attirer des travailleurs qualifiés et à réaliser la stratégie Bâtir le Canada. Il reconnaît les lacunes du système et souhaite mettre de l’avant une stratégie ciblée pour y remédier. À l’approche de la 50e Conférence de l’Organisation des musiciens d’orchestre symphonique du Canada (OMOSC), qui se tiendra à Winnipeg ce mois-ci, je vous ferai part des développements dans ce dossier.

En qualité de syndiqués, nous devons absolument nous serrer les coudes et faire preuve de solidarité au-delà des frontières, des genres musicaux et des secteurs d’activité. Nous devons tous reconnaître et exprimer l’importance de demeurer solidaires malgré les différences provinciales ou le pays d’origine, avec le Congrès du travail du Canada, l’AFL-CIO, l’International Federation of Musicians, nos conférences régionales, nos conférences de musiciens et les autres syndicats. L’union fait la force!

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) 31st Convention took place last month in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The convention kicked off with an International Solidarity Forum hosted by International Labour Organization Director Amber Barth, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Barbados Workers Union General Secretary Toni Moore, and Federation of Somali Trade Unions General Secretary Omar Faruk Osmun.

Throughout the CLC Convention, an action plan unfolded in several presentations. The priorities included fighting for democracy through international solidarity, building the future through investing in Canada and supporting a worker-centric trade agenda that prioritizes good union jobs, fighting for dignity to ensure respect and fairness for every worker, strengthening the social safety net, caring for all, and healthcare as a universal right.

During the convention, I kept drifting to our own AFM mission and values, which speak to many of the same principles. Being in Winnipeg, we were reminded of the historical tipping point that occurred in 1919. The Winnipeg General Strike was one of the most dramatic and influential strikes in Canadian history. For six weeks, May 15-June 26, 1919, more than 30,000 strikers brought economic activity to a standstill in Winnipeg, which at the time was Canada’s third largest city.

There were many background causes for the strike, most of them related to the prevailing social inequalities and the impoverished working conditions. The economic instability following World War I increased frustration among workers across Canada. Wages were low, prices were rising, employment was unstable, immigrants faced discrimination, and healthcare was poor. Many workers believed that their wages had not kept pace with the rapidly rising cost of living.

Labour unions played an important role in organizing workers and advocating for collective bargaining rights. As a result, support for organized labour grew. As you read this, I’m sure current economic and political conditions come to mind. Canadian labour unions and the CLC Convention are united in international solidarity with the current political challenges.

There is no doubt, that, when we work together, we become stronger. With the support of coalitions and the CLC, we will continue to fight for improvements to wages and benefits for all workers. As musicians and union members, we are part of labour and trade. Our voice is amplified through the work of the Canadian Labour Congress and other coalitions, including the Creative Industries Coalition and the Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (CDEC).

The AFM International Executive Board has spent significant time working through strategic planning over the last 18 months. Working from the previous convention mandate from delegates to invest in organizing, the Federation has completed the hiring of regional organizers to provide much needed support, especially for smaller locals, where there may be an organizing plan, but not the resources to engage. While this moves the needle in a positive direction, further organizing efforts will come at an additional financial burden. As we move forward to engage the first stages of the strategic plan, we must focus on how, through our mission and values, we can improve the membership experience and relationship with our members.

As we approach our AFM Convention in Ottawa this month, I look forward to seeing delegates visit Canada’s capital city of Ottawa and enjoy Canadian culture and hospitality. As a binational labour union, we must build on our strengths, be aware of and navigate our weaknesses, seek out new opportunities, and guard against threats. While there is much to do, doing it together provides the strongest path forward.

Lastly, our Canadian Office has moved into a new location. Our phone numbers and emails remain the same. The new address is 895 Don Mills Rd., Suite 202; Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1W3.

Le mouvement syndical canadien, pilier de la solidarité internationale

par Allistair Elliott, vice-président de l’AFM pour le Canada

La 31e Assemblée générale du Congrès du travail du Canada (CTC) s’est tenue le mois dernier à Winnipeg, au Manitoba. L’Assemblée a débuté par un forum sur la solidarité internationale animé par Amber Barth, directrice de l’Organisation internationale du travail, Liz Shuler, présidente de l’AFL-CIO, Toni Moore, secrétaire générale du Syndicat des travailleurs de la Barbade, et Omar Faruk Osmun, secrétaire général de la Fédération des syndicats somaliens.

Au long de l’assemblée, un plan d’action s’est révélé à travers plusieurs présentations. Parmi les priorités figurent la lutte pour la démocratie par le biais de la solidarité internationale; la préparation de l’avenir par l’investissement au Canada et le soutien d’un programme commercial centré sur les travailleurs, qui privilégie les emplois de syndicat de qualité; le combat pour la dignité afin de garantir le respect et l’équité pour chaque travailleur; le renforcement du filet de sécurité sociale; le souci du bien-être de tous et le droit universel aux soins de santé.

Au cours de l’assemblée, je n’ai cessé de repenser à la mission et aux valeurs de notre propre AFM, qui reflètent bon nombre de ces mêmes principes. Aussi, de se trouver à Winnipeg nous a rappelé le tournant historique qui s’y est produit en 1919. En effet, la grève générale de Winnipeg a été l’une des plus dramatiques et des plus déterminanates de l’histoire du Canada. Pendant six semaines, du 15 mai au 26 juin 1919, plus de 30 000 grévistes ont paralysé l’activité économique à Winnipeg, qui, à l’époque, était la troisième plus grande ville du Canada.

Cette grève a découlé de plusieurs causes, pour la plupart liées aux inégalités sociales et aux conditions de travail misérables. L’instabilité économique qui a suivi la Première Guerre mondiale a augmenté la frustration des travailleurs à l’échelle du Canada. Les salaires étaient bas, les prix augmentaient et l’emploi était précaire; les immigrants faisaient face à de la discrimination, et les soins de santé étaient médiocres. De nombreux travailleurs estimaient que leurs salaires n’avaient pas suivi la hausse rapide du coût de la vie.

Les syndicats ont joué un rôle important dans l’organisation des travailleurs et la défense des droits à la négociation collective. En conséquence, le soutien aux syndicats s’est accru. En lisant ces lignes, je suis sûr que la situation économique et politique actuelle vous vient à l’esprit. Les syndicats canadiens et l’assemblée du CTC sont unis dans la solidarité internationale face aux défis politiques d’aujourd’hui.

Il ne fait aucun doute que lorsque nous collaborons, nous sommes plus forts. Avec le soutien des coalitions et du CTC, nous continuerons à lutter pour l’amélioration des salaires et des avantages sociaux de tous les travailleurs. En tant que musiciens et membres de syndicats, nous faisons partie de la main-d’œuvre et du commerce. Notre voix est amplifiée par le Congrès du travail du Canada et d’autres coalitions, notamment la Coalition des industries créatives et la Coalition pour la diversité des expressions culturelles.

Le Conseil exécutif international de l’AFM a consacré beaucoup de temps à la planification stratégique au cours des 18 derniers mois. S’appuyant sur le mandat donné par les délégués lors du précédent Congrès de l’AFM d’investir dans la syndicalisation, la Fédération a finalisé le recrutement d’organisateurs régionaux. L’objectif consiste à donner un soutien indispensable, en particulier aux petites sections locales, là où il existe peut-être un plan de syndicalisation, mais pas les ressources nécessaires pour l’exécuter. Bien que cela fasse avancer les choses dans la bonne direction, la poursuite des efforts de syndicalisation entraînera une charge financière supplémentaire. Alors que nous nous apprêtons à mettre en œuvre les premières étapes du plan stratégique, nous devons nous concentrer sur la manière dont, à travers notre mission et nos valeurs, nous pouvons améliorer l’expérience des membres et nos relations avec eux.

Tandis qu’approche notre Congrès de l’AFM à Ottawa ce mois-ci, je me réjouis à l’idée que les délégués visiteront Ottawa, la capitale du Canada, et profiteront de la culture et de l’hospitalité canadiennes. À titre de syndicat binational, nous devons nous appuyer sur nos forces, prendre conscience de nos faiblesses et les surmonter, rechercher de nouvelles occasions et nous prémunir contre les menaces. Bien qu’il y ait beaucoup à faire, c’est en agissant ensemble que nous tracerons la meilleure voie pour l’avenir.

Enfin, prenez note que notre Bureau canadien a emménagé dans de nouveaux locaux. Nos numéros de téléphone et adresses de courriel restent inchangés. La nouvelle adresse est la suivante : 895, chemin Don Mills, bureau 202, Toronto (Ontario) M3C 1W3.