Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 5:16 PM

AFM v. NBCUniversal Media, LLC et al. Incomplete Track Settlement Claim Form

Dear Musician: NBCUniversal (NBCU) and American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) are jointly requesting information, pursuant to a settlement agreement in the above-referenced civil action, pertaining to incomplete tracks used in one of the followi…

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  Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President · [email protected]

July 24, 2024 at 3:12 PM

Brecheen NEA/NEH Defunding Amendments Defeated

We successfully defeated the Becheen NEA/NEH defunding amendments. Dear Friend, Thanks to your advocacy efforts yesterday, we were able to defeat the proposed amendment by Rep. Brecheen (R-OK) aiming to cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National En…

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  Tino Gagliardi, AFM President · [email protected]

July 23, 2024 at 9:02 PM

Let Your Congressperson Know You Oppose Slashing Arts Funding!

Let your congressperson know you oppose slashing arts funding by calling (202) 224-3121 Dear Friend, Please contact your member of Congress today to inform them of the importance of NEA funding to their congressional district. Rep. Brecheen (R-OK) wants to cut funding for the …

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  Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President · [email protected]

May 1, 2024 at 2:22 PM

​AFM International Executive Board Endorses Joe Biden

“Stand faithfully by your friends and elect them. Oppose your enemies and defeat them.” That is the political policy of the AFL-CIO, and one that the AFM has subscribed to for decades. The unquestionable truth of it motivated the AFM International Executive Board (IEB), in it…

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  Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President · [email protected]

April 16, 2024 at 8:45 PM

Tell Congress to Support Increased Federal Arts Funding for FY25

Tell your members of Congress to support $211 million for the NEA and NEH! Dear Friend, Congress is already making decisions about next year’s funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and we need your help to ensure …

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  Tino Gagliardi, AFM President · [email protected]

November 9, 2023 at 3:31 PM

It’s Time for Musicians to Get their Fair Share

Dear Friend, November is Music Fairness Awareness Month, an annual effort throughout the month of November to bring attention to a decades-long injustice that denies musicians and singers fair pay for their work on AM/FM radio in the United States. The American Music Fairness…

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  Tino Gagliardi, AFM President · [email protected]

September 1, 2023 at 5:34 PM

Celebrate the Power of Unions this Labor Day

Dear Friend, 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 m…

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  Ray Hair via ActionNetwork.org · [email protected]

January 16, 2023 at 5:13 PM

Remembering Dr. King

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dear Friend, Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and remember his commitment to justice and equality. At a time when working people are facing unprecedented attacks on our rights, I am inspired by Dr. King who challenged us to re…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

December 8, 2022 at 7:56 PM

American Music Fairness Act Clears Critical House Vote

I am pleased to report that on Wednesday, December 7, the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), which would require AM/FM stations to pay performance royalties to featured artists, musicians, vocalists, and copyright holders for radio airplay, cleared a key hurdle in Congress. T…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 22, 2022 at 7:47 PM

It’s Time for Musicians to Get their Fair Share

Dear Friend, Congress moved a step closer to ending a decades-long injustice against music creators with today’s Senate introduction of the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). The legislation, sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), would require…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 20, 2022 at 2:43 PM

Tell Your Senators to Support Federal Arts Funding

We are close to securing increased federal arts funding for FY23, but we still need your help to ensure it becomes a reality. Dear Friend, We are close to securing increased federal arts funding for FY23, but we still need your help to ensure it becomes a reality. In July,  t…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 2, 2022 at 1:01 PM

Celebrate Unionism this Labor Day

Labor Day is the day we recognize the spirit, strength, and contributions of working men and women across this nation. Labor Day is the day we recognize the spirit, strength, and contributions of working men and women across this nation. For far too long, corporations have att…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

June 27, 2022 at 8:24 PM

​AFM Statement on Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

In one of the most stunning reversals in the modern era of the Supreme Court, a majority of the Court overturned a nearly 50-year precedent in Roe v. Wade and gave states a license to ban abortion. This ruling is an attack on women’s reproductive health a In one of the most st…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

June 9, 2022 at 3:32 PM

AFM Praises NEA and NEH Pledge to Appoint Chief Diversity Officers

AFM President Ray Hair states, “The inclusion of a senior staff level Diversity Officer at these agencies is in keeping with AFM’s values and goes a long way toward assuring equity and fairness in the federal arts grant-making process. By shining a spotli The American Federati…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

May 3, 2022 at 4:48 PM

Help Secure Future National Endowment for the Arts & Humanities

Dear Friend, The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are critical to the recovery of the arts and entertainment industries. The NEA and NEH support job opportunities for union members in every state, as well as for local econo…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

March 7, 2022 at 3:04 PM

Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The AFM profoundly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine. The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada profoundly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine. We express our unwavering solidarity with the brave Ukr…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

February 2, 2022 at 1:07 PM

Watch the House Judiciary Hearing on AMFA

The American Fairness Music Act will have a positive financial impact on musicians, but will also make an important statement about the value of our music. It’s Groundhog Day and once again National Association of Broadcasters and big corporate broadcasters are arguing that r…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

January 31, 2022 at 3:09 PM

It's time to support #FairPay for all music creators!

Dear Friend, As you may know, musicians and vocalists do not receive a single cent when their recordings are broadcast on AM/FM radio stations. Incredibly, the United States is the only industrialized nation besides North Korea and Iran that has no law requiring a broadcast pe…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

January 17, 2022 at 1:59 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. Dear Friend, Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a champion of civil rights, equality, and justice. At a time when working people across the country…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 28, 2021 at 9:52 PM

San Antonio Symphony Musicians Declare Strike Over Proposed Cuts

San Antonio Symphony Musicians Declare Strike Over Proposed Cuts 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 em…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 28, 2021 at 5:35 PM

AFM Stands in Solidarity with IATSE

AFM Stands in Solidarity with IATSE 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 P…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

September 6, 2021 at 5:32 PM

Celebrate Labor Day

​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. Many of us think of Labor Day as the unofficial end of summer—and we sometimes forget it’s the day we recognize a…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

August 5, 2021 at 7:45 PM

AFM Statement on the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

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 ar…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

July 30, 2021 at 2:11 PM

Broadway Is Back on the Road

I am pleased to announce that a comprehensive agreement has been reached between the Federation and the Broadway League for working conditions and health and safety protocols covering musicians engaged to perform Pamphlet B and Short Engagement Tours. The agreement was finish…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

April 26, 2021 at 2:21 PM

Protecting the Right to Organize Act

This week, labor unions across the country are joining together in a “PRO Act Week of Action” to advance the measure through Congress. Dear Friend, The Protecting the Right to Organize Act, known as the PRO Act, would amend some of the country’s decades-old labor laws to empo…

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  Team AFL-CIO · [email protected]

April 8, 2021 at 2:05 PM

Today is the PRO Act Day of Action

We’re going to flood the Senate phone lines with support for the PRO Act. Working people of America have waited long enough for labor laws that protect our right to form and join unions.   Hi Friend,   Today is …

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

March 18, 2021 at 3:23 PM

AFM-EPF Announces Benefit Reductions Will Not Be Implemented

​On Wednesday, March 17th, AFM-EPF Trustees agreed to withdraw the pending Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) application. With the passage of the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act in On Wednesday, March 17th, AFM-EPF Trustees agreed to withdraw the pending M…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

February 20, 2021 at 9:01 PM

One Last Hurdle for Pension Relief

Tell Congress to take this simple action to make sure our pension and retirement are secure! Last month, we recognized that we now have the best opportunity in years to win much needed relief for our AFM pension plan by passing the Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act of 2021. Th…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

February 5, 2021 at 11:13 PM

Raise Your Voice Now to Protect Our Pensions!

The time is now! Congress is currently debating the Budget Reconciliation Package and could vote in the coming week. Including the language from the Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act in this package would protect the pensions The time is now!   Congress is currently debating t…

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  Ray Hair · [email protected]

February 2, 2021 at 8:26 PM

All In for Pension Relief

Time is of the essence as pension relief is the closest it has ever been in years to becoming a reality. Tell Congress to support the Reconciliation Package to make sure our pension and retirement are secure! Our AFM-EPF pension plan is one of over 100 multiemployer union pen…

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  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 prote…

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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 imagine…

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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, the Fe…

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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 yea…

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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. With…

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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 this am…

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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.   Nearly …

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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 financi…

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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. I…

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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 proposal.…

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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 in be…

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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 extra $…

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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 worki…

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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 protest o…

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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 Che…

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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 Faceboo…

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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 musicians i…

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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 suppo…

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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 pandemi…

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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 Corona…

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