Today (October 19) marks the 125th anniversary of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). In the 125 years since its inception, the AFM has had one goal: to elevate, protect, and advance the interests of all musicians who receive pay for their musical services. It was an evolutionary act of organizing that gathered musician leaders […]
Congress proposes to restore tax deductions for performing artists. The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act legislation would provide much-needed tax relief to working artists by updating the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) tax deduction, which allows certain performing artists to deduct the cost of expenses incurred in the course of their employment. The Performing Artist Tax […]
An announcement Sunday by the San Antonio Symphony Society that it would immediately impose its “last, best and final offer” prompted a unanimous strike vote by the musicians of the San Antonio Symphony. The employer’s offer would reduce the orchestra from 72 members earning approximately $35,000 seasonally to 42 full-time “core” positions earning $24,500 each […]
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) stands in solidarity with members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in their fight for a fair contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). “IATSE members are key behind-the-scenes workers in film and television production, and […]
Many of us think of Labor Day as the unofficial end of summer—and we sometimes forget it’s the day we recognize and celebrate the achievements of working people. Whether you are spending time with your family or doing a gig this weekend—take pride in being a union member and part of the labor movement. We […]
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is saddened to learn of the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka today. Throughout his entire life, Rich Trumka fought hard to improve the lives of working people, not only in the United States, but around the world. AFM sends its most sincere condolences […]
Wicked Resumes Tours in Dallas American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada (AFM) and the Broadway League have announced an agreement on health and safety protocols for Pamphlet B touring shows. This news comes as Wicked, the first touring Broadway production to return to the road, is set to resume performances on August […]
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) confirms that Home Box Office (HBO) has agreed to cover musicians working on the period drama “The Gilded Age,” under the AFM’s TV Film Agreement. Musicians who were hired to sideline on the production were told their compensation would be based on union rates but then discovered there was […]
The American Federation of Musicians today filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board against Home Box Office (HBO) for federal labor law violations. In its charge, AFM said that the company fired musicians after they asked to be represented by the American Federation of Musicians. After a meeting this […]
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) wholeheartedly supports and endorses the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment established by President Biden today. Since the day our country was founded, Unions of American workers have fought and won improvements in wages, working conditions, and health and retirement […]