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Live TV Video Negotiations

Negotiations for the Live TV and Video contract are scheduled to begin on September 4th. The AFM aims to negotiate a contract that truly recognizes the value and contributions of these dedicated individuals, many of whom are involved in iconic shows such as Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Video courtesy of Mikael Elsila, Local 802.

 

Musicians Unite to Demand Fair Contract in Live TV and Video Negotiations

New York, NY – On September 4, 2024, AFM members and supporters gathered to kick off negotiations for a new Live TV and Video contract with major networks. Led by the Five Borough Brass band, members of AFM Local 802 (New York City), the rally brought together musicians and other entertainment union members to advocate for fair compensation and protections.

AFM International President and Lead Negotiator Tino Gagliardi outlined the key demands of the musicians, including:

  • Expanded health care coverage to provide better benefits for musicians who often lack guaranteed coverage.
  • Increased residuals for streaming to ensure musicians are fairly compensated for their work on streaming platforms.
  • Protections against the use of AI to safeguard musicians’ work and ensure human creativity remains at the heart of the industry.

Emceed by Marc Sazer, Local 47 vice president and president of the Recording Musicians Association, other speakers at the rally included Sara Cutler, president of AFM Local 802; Stephanie O’Keefe, president of AFM Local 47; Ezra Knight, president of New York SAG-AFTRA Local; Rebecca Damon, chief labor policy officer and New York local executive director for SAG-AFTRA; Jason Gordon, director of communications at Writers Guild of America East; and Dave Pomeroy, AFM International vice president and president of Local 257, who performed his song, “What Unions Did for You.”

After seeing the call for union support while in New York City for meetings, Chuck Bennett, president of the Southwest Louisiana Central Trades and Labor Council, joined the rally to offer solidarity from IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers).

“Musicians from New York to Los Angeles are uniting to urge networks to negotiate a fair contract,” said Gagliardi. “This includes expanded health care coverage, increased residuals for streaming, and protections against the use of AI to protect musicians’ work.”

The contract applies to over 6,000 musicians who perform on live or recorded television programs, including variety shows, award shows, game shows, talk shows, morning shows, and sports broadcasts. The musicians are seeking a fair contract that reflects the value of their work and ensures they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

“We come together to fight together! As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial to protect the work of musicians. We need to ensure that our jobs are not replaced by machines and that our creativity is valued and compensated,” said Local 47 member Caleb Vaugh-Jones. “It is essential for us to stand united to secure a fair contract for the thousands of musicians who contribute to various television shows.”

As negotiations begin on September 4, the AFM is calling on networks to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement that benefits all musicians involved in live TV production. “Musicians have been undervalued and underpaid for too long,” said Gagliardi. “We are united in our demand for a contract that recognizes the value and contributions of these dedicated individuals. We will no longer be ignored.”

 

 

 

About the AFM: The AFM represents 70,000 professional instrumental musicians playing on live television, in orchestras, bands, clubs, and theater—both on Broadway and on tour. The AFM negotiates fair agreements, protects ownership of recorded music, secures benefits such as health care and pension, and lobbies Congress for musicians and rights for all workers. For more information, see www.AFM.org.

Media Contact: Antoinette Follett, Director of Communications/PR
American Federation of Musicians     E:  afollett@afm.org | C:  315.383.1028