Category Archives: All News

AFM Motion Picture/TV Film contract extended through November; musicians’ fight for streaming continues

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Negotiations between the AFM and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers began March 13. On the first morning of bargaining, musicians held a press conference calling on the film and TV studios to engage in fair contract negotiations and protect the future careers of professional musicians as the industry shifts to streaming and online distribution. The story was reported by several news outlets including Variety, Billboard, Deadline, and Digital Music News. Continue reading

Rochester Music Hall of Fame Announces AFM 47 Members as 2019 Inductees

The Rochester Music Hall of Fame announced the 2019 inductees for this year’s ceremony, and among them are two Life Members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

Beach Boys founding member, guitarist and vocalist Al Jardine, and 11-time Emmy Award-winning composer and producer Jack Allocco, will be along those inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame at the 8th annual induction ceremony on April 28. Continue reading

H&W: Important Notice on Changes to 2020 Participant Eligibility Levels and Monthly Co-Premium Payments

Professional Musicians & Employers’ Health & Welfare Fund:

CHANGES TO 2020 PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY LEVELS

Commencing with the Jan. 1, 2020, coverage year, the minimum initial eligibility threshold to qualify for enrollment in medical plans sponsored by the Professional Musicians, Local 47 and Employers’ Health & Welfare Fund (the “Fund”) will be reduced to $700 in Employer contributions. Thus, effective with the current Qualifying Period — Oct. 2, 2018 through Oct. 3, 2019 — the amount of Employer contributions necessary for eligibility at the Fund’s “C Level” of coverage/benefits shall be $700 (including any available permissible carry-forwards from the 2017/2018 Qualifying Year). Continue reading

Musicians Call on Film/TV Studios to Bargain Fair for Streaming Media

Studios’ refusal to provide New Media residuals threatens livelihood of musicians  

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 13, 2019) — Today members of the American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO, held a press conference calling on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to engage in fair contract negotiations and protect the future careers of professional musicians as the industry shifts to streaming and online distribution (aka “new media”). Continue reading

Musicians take on New Media with Motion Picture/TV Film Campaign

Negotiations between the AFM and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) began on March 13, 2019. We’re taking on the most important aspect of the future of the recording industry: new media and streaming services.

On the first morning of bargaining, musicians held a press conference calling on film and TV studios to engage in fair contract negotiations and protect the future careers of professional musicians as the industry shifts to streaming and online distribution. The story was reported by several news outlets including VarietyBillboardDeadline, and Digital Music News.

After three days of intense talks, management was unwilling to accept or negotiate over our most important proposals. On March 18, the bargaining team negotiated a brief contract extension: a 2% raise in existing wages, continuing the terms and conditions of the current agreement to Nov. 14, 2019. 

Now through November, AFM musicians will be ramping up efforts to win a fair contract. AFM members working in all areas of the business are encouraged to get involved in the campaign.

Sign the Petition and receive campaign updates at afm47.org/newmedia.