American Federation Of Musicians
American Federation of Musicians
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM/AFofM) is a prominent labor union representing professional instrumental musicians in the United States and Canada. The AFM is recognized as the largest organization worldwide dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of professional musicians. Established in 1896, the AFM has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape for musicians through its steadfast commitment to fair labor practices and musicians' rights.
History and Formation
Founded in Cincinnati in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians was established as the successor to the National League of Musicians. The AFM's inception marked the beginning of a structured effort to consolidate musicians' labor rights and negotiate fair agreements for performers. It is a 501(c)(5) labor union, which denotes its classification as a tax-exempt organization focused on labor and agricultural issues.
Missions and Objectives
The AFM's primary missions include negotiating equitable agreements, protecting the intellectual property and recorded works of musicians, securing benefits such as healthcare and pensions, and engaging in legislative advocacy. These efforts underscore the AFM's role in ensuring the financial and professional security of its members. In the United States, it is known as the American Federation of Musicians, while in Canada, it operates as the Canadian Federation of Musicians/Fédération Canadienne des Musiciens (CFM/FCM).
Labor Actions and Influence
Throughout its history, the AFM has been involved in significant labor actions, most notably the 1942-1944 musicians' strike. This strike, led by union president James C. Petrillo, was a pivotal moment in the AFM's history, as it sought to address the changing dynamics brought about by recorded music and its impact on live performances and musicians' livelihoods.
Notable Lawsuits and Actions
The AFM has consistently been at the forefront of legal actions to protect its members. One such instance was the lawsuit filed against MGM and Paramount Pictures in 2015 regarding the film "Ben-Hur" (2016). The AFM accused these companies of violating agreements concerning musicians' rights and compensation.
Challenges and Achievements
A notable challenge in the AFM's history was the segregation in union locals based on race. Union locals were either segregated for black and white musicians, or black musicians were placed in "subsidiary locals" with no voting rights. This practice continued until 1944 when it was abolished, marking a progressive step towards equality within the union.
Current Leadership
As of now, the AFM is under the leadership of president Tino Gagliardi. The union's headquarters is located in New York City, providing a central location from which to coordinate its broad range of activities and initiatives.