Ray Hair · [email protected]

January 18, 2021 at 2:30 PM

Today We Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and remember his commitment to justice and equality. Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and remember his commitment to justice and equality. Though he advocated non-violent p…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

December 31, 2020 at 4:01 PM

New Year's Message from Ray Hair

When the ball dropped in Times Square across from Federation headquarters one year ago, no one imagined the new year would see a worldwide pandemic that would... Dear Member, When the ball dropped in Times Square across from Federation headquarters one year ago, no one ima…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

December 3, 2020 at 7:29 PM

Petrillo Fund Assistance

The Federation reminds officers and members of the availability of limited emergency financial aid through the AFM's Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians​. In response to the recent increase in spread associated with the continuing Coronavirus pandemic, th…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

November 25, 2020 at 2:01 PM

New TV Agreement

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. Dear Member, I am pleased to report that after…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

October 19, 2020 at 3:42 PM

The Bottom Line: Get Out and Vote

Make your voice heard in this election. Together, we can build a nation that works for working people. Dear Friend, Your Vote Is Essential. America faces crises on three critical fronts: a public health pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism. …

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 22, 2020 at 3:00 PM

Today is National Voter Registration Day! Join us!

Friend, Voting is a core principle of being American, but to exercise this basic right, we must be registered to vote! That’s why [ORGANIZATION NAME] is a proud partner and supporter of National Voter Registration Day, which happens to be today. And you can be part of thi…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 4, 2020 at 4:00 PM

This Labor Day, let your friends and family know: Unions make us stronger!

This Labor Day, we’re celebrating union solidarity and letting everyone around us know: Workers First. Vote Union. Dear Friend, 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.   Nea…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 1, 2020 at 8:55 PM

Red Alert Day of Action

Congress must pass the RESTART Act, and an extension/expansion of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which provides additional funding to those who are currently out of work. Dear Friend, Creative professionals and musicians continue to experience extreme, sustained fin…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

August 10, 2020 at 2:16 PM

AFM IEB Endorses Biden

The IEB announces its endorsement of Joe Biden for president in the 2020 election. 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…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

August 7, 2020 at 6:56 PM

We can’t allow them to leave us behind.

Tell your Senators to extend unemployment benefits for musicians and other working people. Dear Friend, After a month and a half of the HEROES Act sitting untouched in Mitch McConnell’s lap, the Senate majority leader has finally proposed his own woefully inadequate propo…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

July 22, 2020 at 2:50 PM

Tell the Senate: Get to Work

Tell the Senate: Extend the extra $600 per week in unemployment. Friend, Coronavirus cases and unemployment numbers are climbing, but the Senate went home without debating the HEROES Act, which would extend expanded unemployment benefits including the extra $600 per week i…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

July 8, 2020 at 5:07 PM

Musicians Need Action

Dear , In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, which would extend expanded unemployment benefits including the extra $600 per week in benefits through January 2021. But the Senate has still not voted on this critical piece of legislation. The ex…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

June 17, 2020 at 5:24 PM

Working Safely

Dear , It is critical that musicians take appropriate steps to protect ourselves, our coworkers, and audiences as we return to work in clubs, recording studios and rehearsal spaces. Although employers and venue owners are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe …

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

June 15, 2020 at 7:23 PM

Black Lives Matter

Dear , Below is my statement regarding the most recent string of police murders of Black Americans: The unconscionable displays of racism in the United States during the past weeks and months have prompted millions of people around the world to take to the streets in prote…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

May 28, 2020 at 3:22 PM

Episode Four

Don't miss the final episode of the fundraising series. Dear Friend, Dionne Warwick and longtime AFM member "Blue Lou" Marini will be among tonight's guests on the fourth and final episode of Ray Chew Live. This virtual series was put together by proud union musician Ray…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

May 21, 2020 at 6:26 PM

Tonight on Facebook

Dear Friend, Tonight on Facebook, AFM member Ray Chew is hosting the third episode of his series to raise money for union freelancers who have been impacted by COVID-19. Robin Thicke, Anthony Hamilton, Brandon Victor Dixon & Bebe Winans will be joining Ray Chew on Fac…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

May 13, 2020 at 7:20 PM

Freelancers’ Assistance

Dear Friend, Last week, AFM member Ray Chew hosted the first of his four-part virtual series on Facebook Live to raise funds for union freelancers who have been impacted by COVID-19. It was a proud moment for all AFM members.. Musicians standing together with other musicia…

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Ray Chew · [email protected]

May 6, 2020 at 8:18 PM

Virtual Fundraiser

Dear Friend, Some of you know me as a music director, pianist, producer and arranger. I’d like to introduce myself to you as Ray Chew, proud AFM member for over 30 years. As a union musician, I understand how we all depend on the gig work we receive through the year to s…

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Entertainment Industry Unions · [email protected]

April 20, 2020 at 4:43 PM

A Message to the Working Professionals in the Entertainment Industry

Dear Friend, The undersigned guilds and unions represent the diverse, professional workforce that, in ordinary times, come together on productions throughout each year to bring our stories to life for audiences across the globe. Now, in this time when the coronavirus pan…

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Ray Hair · [email protected]

March 27, 2020 at 5:30 PM

House Approves Gig Worker Unemployment

Legislation to help freelancers & gig workers just passed the U.S. House Representatives. Dear Friend, Legislation that will extend unemployment benefits to those who rely on contract work and freelance jobs just passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The third Co…

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