Labor Day is an occasion to honor and appreciate the tireless efforts and commitment of all laborers, including musicians. Although many of us think of the holiday as the unofficial end of summer, we should not forget its true significance—for generations, union members have been fighting to improve the lives of working people.

This year, #HotLaborSummer has been trending with organizing drives and major strikes across the country. The ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes remind us of the power of unions fighting for increased pay, improved health and pension benefits, residuals for new media, and protections against job loss and new technologies. As AFM members, we know that our strength comes from our unity. We are more powerful than any employer when we stand together.

This Labor Day, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for social justice and economic equality, and celebrate the power of music to bring people together and make the world a better place.

Thank you for being a part of the AFM family. We wish you a happy, healthy, and safe Labor Day weekend.

In Unity,

Tino Gagliardi
International President
American Federation of Musicians
of the United States and Canada