AFM Advocates for Musicians’ Rights at NYC Rally Marking New Contract Talks

On a lively afternoon in Midtown Manhattan, the American Federation of Musicians rallied to support negotiations for a new contract covering live-TV performances. Musicians called for better pay, health care, and restrictions on AI, evoking unity as members of SAG-AFTRA and WGA stood in solidarity to champion the fight for equitable treatment amidst evolving industry challenges.

On a vibrant afternoon echoing with melodies on Sixth Avenue, members of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) gathered for a rally reminiscent of their passionate demonstrations from the previous summer. Brass instruments filled the air with the invigorating beat of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up,” as supporters chanted in unison against economic inequalities. The musicians, donning blue “Musicians United” t-shirts, congregated outside the historic McGraw-Hill Building to launch negotiations for the TV Videotape Agreement, which governs their work on live television shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. With a symbolic proximity to where last year’s Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes unfolded, the AFM rally emphasized critical issues as musicians called for raises, better residuals, more substantial healthcare provisions, and restrictions on the utilization of artificial intelligence in their profession. Joining forces were members from SAG-AFTRA and WGA, showcasing solidarity that echoed throughout previous strikes which recently concluded. Among the demonstrators was Shawn Pelton, drummer for the SNL house band, playing to rally the crowd, while Nashville’s Dave Pomeroy filled the atmosphere with his own tribute song titled “What Unions Did For You,” inviting enthusiastic sing-alongs from participants. As negotiations loomed, the AFM’s presence was a clear call for the potential pitfalls that AI and technological advancements pose to artistic professions. Some musicians expressed their heightened anxiety over evolving technologies replacing traditional roles. According to one seasoned member, “We’ve been replaced already. This is the [last] straw.” Tino Gagliardi, AFM’s president, passionately remarked on the urgency of the moment, declaring his commitment to ensuring the union catches up on crucial issues long overdue for resolution. He confidently affirmed, “I’m gonna go in that room, and I’m gonna try and hammer out a deal that’s gonna be progressive enough to get us at least to catch up to where we should have been five years ago.” Sharing the platform were enthusiastic union leaders who resonated with the sentiment of determination amid the impending negotiations. As solidarity filled the air, Janice Pendarvis, a member of both AFM and SAG-AFTRA, reflected on the community’s strength: “This is my community, these are my people, and I’ll do anything for them.”

The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is a union that supports musicians across the United States and Canada. This rally marked the commencement of negotiations for a new Live-TV contract aimed at securing fairer pay and rights for musicians involved in live performances. Having experienced similar sentiments during the recent SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, AFM members recognize the growing pressure from AI technologies and seek to protect their livelihoods. This gathering exemplifies their collective strength and resolve to secure necessary changes in the industry.

The rally held by the American Federation of Musicians outside the McGraw-Hill Building not only echoed the spirit of solidarity previously seen in massive industry strikes but also served as a critical reminder of the vulnerable position many unionized musicians find themselves in today. With rising concerns over AI encroachment into live performances, the musicians’ rally highlighted their commitment to fighting for fair wages and working conditions as they embark on negotiations for their future. The collaborative efforts displayed amongst various labor unions remind us that the power of unity can incite change in a challenging landscape.

Original Source: deadline.com