American Federation of Musicians of the US & Canada

AFM representatives at the 5th FIM International Federation of Musicians Orchestra Conference: L-R: Stephen Wade, President ROPA; Robert Fraser, President OCSM; Ethan Balakrishnan, 1st VP OCSM; Dusty Kelly, AFM IEB member and Executive Director Local 149; Rochelle Skolnick, AFM SSD Director; Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President, Christine Guptill, University of Ottawa (presenter on Musicians' Health); Allistair Elliott, AFM Vice-President from Canada; and Keith Carrick, Chair ICSOM.

American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) has appointed Ben Kessler as its new Director of Government Affairs. As an intellectual property lawyer with a deep passion for live music, Kessler is uniquely qualified to lead our government affairs efforts. He has a proven track record of success, most recently serving as the Director of Federal Affairs for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). During his time at the NEA, Kessler oversaw a significant increase in the organization's annual appropriation and was instrumental in various other policy initiatives. "Ben's expertise in intellectual property law and his commitment to protecting creators will be invaluable to the AFM as we fight to improve working conditions in the music industry," says AFM International President Tino Gagliardi. " We are confident he will be a great asset to our organization and will help us achieve our goals." #AFM #NewHire #GovernmentAffairs #MusicIndustry

We must ensure that federal support continues to fuel sustainable careers in the nonprofit arts and public media sector, which requires both increased funding levels and modernized approaches to how that funding is distributed. Working together with the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries (AEMI) coalition within the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, the AFM advocates to strengthen labor protections, provide more of a worker voice in grantmaking, and modernize grantmaking rules.

Live TV Negotiations Rally in NYC — Musicians and union leadership from Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York made their demands clear: better pay, higher residuals, more comprehensive health care, and limits on the use of artificial intelligence as a replacement for entertainment workers. https://lnkd.in/gPVSu9F6

Reflecting on the 2023 BON Summit, we’re reminded of the invaluable insights shared by industry leaders. 🎶 Last year, American Federation of Musicians of the US & Canada Director of Symphonic Services and Special Counsel Rochelle Skolnick highlighted key bargaining trends shaping our industry. As we gear up for the 2024 Summit, we’re excited to build on these important discussions! Check out this quick 2 minute 🎥 to learn about those trends. #BONSummit #MusicIndustry #union #orchestra #collectivebargaining

It’s time for Congress to act on AI-generated deepfakes and voice/image clones. From the biggest entertainers to everyday Americans, nonconsensual voice and image clones can ruin careers, deceive families and friends, and traumatize victims. We need clear rules that empower individuals to control their own faces and voices while encouraging innovation and ensuring that the United States leads the world on AI. #supporttheNoFAKESact Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dAwGPWVm

Proud to see Randy Travis (Local 257, Nashville Musicians Association member) standing up for performers and testifying to Congress about making AM/FM radio stations pay performers when their songs are played on the air. It’s time to pass the American Music Fairness Act. #MusicFairness #amfa #bigradio

“The theft of our members’ instrumental sound recordings – copied and exploited without permission by artificial intelligence – is of great concern to the American Federation of Musicians. Musicians and artists whose work and talents form the foundation of digital replication must be provided with protections, including consent for the use of their sound, credit, and fair compensation for their music,” says AFM International President Tino Gagliardi. "We support the RIAA in this lawsuit against Suno and Udio, prohibiting the unlicensed use of musicians’ copywritten work."

The International Executive Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Allistair Elliott to the position of AFM Vice President from Canada to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor, Alan Willaert, who passed away unexpectedly in April. For activities within Canada and its Territories, the Vice President from Canada is known as the Vice President from Canada, and Director, Canadian Affairs. https://lnkd.in/g-H4hGCm

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our colleague and friend Alan Willaert, American Federation of Musicians Vice President from Canada and Director of Canadian Affairs, on April 18, 2024. Alan was a passionate and tenacious advocate for Canadian musicians—whether at contract negotiations or speaking about the impact of legislation before parliament. Although he had been battling cancer since last summer, his death was sudden at home. A celebration of life will be planned in the near future. View more at: https://lnkd.in/gWxZVVeR