Members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) who perform in the live television industry have voted to approve a new three-year successor Television Videotape Agreement with CBS, NBC, and ABC. The agreement, ratified on December 23, includes significant improvements, including for the first time—a streaming residual for musicians […]
In response to the lockout by the Metropolitan Opera against Local One stagehands, members of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG) issued the following statement. As an affiliate of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local One stagehands do not stand alone in the lockout […]
In response to the recent increase in spread associated with the continuing Coronavirus pandemic, the Federation wishes to remind all local officers and AFM members of the availability of limited emergency financial aid through the AFM’s Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians. The Fund was established to assist members-in-good standing who become ill or disabled […]
I am pleased to report that after years of false starts, interruptions, and delays, the Federation has reached a three-year deal with CBS, NBC, and ABC for a successor Television Videotape Agreement, subject to ratification. Despite fierce resistance from the networks, we succeeded in obtaining a streaming residual when TV programs are exhibited on advertiser-supported […]
More than 75 musicians joined together in front of the Ed Sullivan Theater to call out CBS and the other television networks as musicians escalated efforts to secure a fair contract, gain wage increases, broader health care coverage, and secure residuals for streaming usage. The rally was supported by New Yorkers from a wide array […]
AFM members step up efforts to secure a fair contract, gain parity, and end structural racism. Today, the musicians who perform and make music for television shows such as the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Dancing with the Stars, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! delivered a letter to the entertainment industry’s major television networks demanding fair wages, […]
This Labor Day weekend, whether you’re at a barbecue, a picnic or a parade, let your friends and family know: Unions make us stronger. Nearly four months ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, a comprehensive COVID-19 relief bill that would provide extended unemployment insurance benefits, hazard pay, an emergency infectious disease […]
Creative professionals and musicians continue to experience extreme, sustained financial losses and need increased federal COVID-19 economic relief. The nearly 12 million workers employed by the industry were the first to lose work, and will likely be the last to return. Since March 2020: 95% of live events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. 96% […]
The Knoxville Symphony Society’s notice on August 24, 2020 to furlough orchestra musicians without pay for five months violates the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 546 (Knoxville Musicians Association). Musicians have filed grievances to fight the decision and secure contractually guaranteed pay. “This decision […]
The International Executive Board of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) has announced its endorsement of Joe Biden for president in the 2020 election. In announcing the union’s endorsement, AFM International President Raymond M. Hair, Jr. issued the following statement: “For musicians who are concerned about providing for themselves and […]