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Great news from AFM International President, Tino Gagliardi:

I am happy to announce a significant victory for all of us: the successful preservation of the American Federation of Musicians and Employers' Pension Fund (AFM-EPF). The AFM's application for Special Financial Assistance through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been officially approved. The funding ensures that our musicians can continue to rely on a secure retirement income after years of enriching our communities with their talent.

As you know, the future of the AFM-EPF has been a source of concern for many members. However, through tireless negotiations, strategic planning, unwavering commitment, and the support provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, we have secured the fund's stability for years to come.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in this achievement. This includes the AFM Executive Board, our dedicated staff, and of course, each and every one of you, our valued members who reached out to your representatives to pass the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. This is a testament to the strength of our union and the collective power we hold. Your unwavering support and belief in the AFM were instrumental in this success.

Read the full statement from AFM International President Tino Gagliardi at: AFM.org/2024/07/major-victory-for-afm-epf/

May Day Job Fair!

Saturday, May 4th 2024 Austin Federation of Musicians will have a table at the May Day Job Fair, noon to 4pm, at Batch Craft Beer & Kolache. @batchatx 3220 Manor Road, Austin, Texas 78723

Come out and meet members of our union and find out about our Union Membership Drive!

From @AustinDSA: Unions can protect you from the boss, get you better pay and benefits, ensure workplace safety, and more!

In celebration of May Day (also known across the world as International Workers' Day), Austin DSA is hosting a union job fair at Batch Craft Beer & Kolache with unions from across the city! Union members will be available to talk to jobseekers and community members about their union, their benefits, and how to join. Saturday, 5/4 at Batch!

RSVP: https://buff.ly/4aEsBmJ
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The Austin Federation of Musicians Joins Call for Ceasefire

The Austin Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 433, joins the chorus of calls for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict in Gaza and Israel.

Our Local Union has endorsed The Letter titled "The U.S. Labor Movement Calls for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine."

"We express our solidarity with all workers and our common desire for peace in Palestine and Israel, and we call on President Joe Biden and Congress to push for an immediate ceasefire and end to the siege of Gaza."

During discussions at their recent union meeting, Local 433 Musicians expressed their involvement and solidarity with Musician Activism on this topic at the recent local music festival.

Read The Letter, "The U.S. Labor Movement Calls for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine," here: https://secure.everyaction.com/w1qW7B3pek2rTtv9ny5bqw2

Musicians' Union Membership Drive

Austin Federation of Musicians Holds Union Membership Drive

Austin, Texas- The Austin Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 433, is holding a membership drive from April 1st, 2024 until June 30th, 2024.

READ MORE HERE

AFM Secures Tentative Agreement With AMPTP!

“We have secured historic breakthroughs in streaming residuals, established critical guardrails against the misuse of AI, gained meaningful wage increases and made other important improvements,” declared AFM International President and Chief Negotiator Tino Gagliardi. “This agreement represents a watershed moment for the artists who create the soundtracks for countless film and TV productions.

Details of the contract will remain confidential until the agreement is approved for a ratification vote by the members who work under this contract.

View press release at: https://afmfairshareformusicians.org/afm-secures-tentative-agreement-with-amptp-delivering-historic-wins-for-musicians/

AFM - American Federation of Musicians
AFM Local 47
Local 802 AFM

James Polk and The Brothers Were Indie Recording Pioneers in 1960s Austin

A Black History Month Profile

by Aaron Lack

Before Dr. James Polk became known as The Godfather of Austin Jazz; before his work with Lionel Hampton, Ray Charles and many others; before he was an IBM executive and University Professor; he was a working musician and primary school educator who pioneered independent recording in the Austin music scene of the 1960s with his band, James Polk and The Brothers.

READ MORE HERE!

Tell AMPTP that its time for Musicians to get their Fair Share!

Now it’s our turn to negotiate a fair and sustainable contract for our members – just like our fellow unions WGA and SAG-AFTRA did.

Sign the Petition:

https://bit.ly/Fair-Share-Musicians

#AFMFairShareforMusicians #FairShareForMusicians #AFMMusicians #FairPayForMusicians #MusiciansDeserveBetter #FairContracts #StandWithAFM #FS4M

Musicians Win Music Commission Support of Parks And Rec Board Recommendation for Fair Pay for Artists at SXSW.

Over thirty musicians attended the Austin Music Commission Meeting on Monday, August 7th at 6:30pm holding signs that read, “FAIR PAY AT $x$w, PASS THE PARKS BOARD RECOMMENDATION!”

Musicians to once again speak out in favor of fair pay at SXSW at the Austin Music Commission meeting

Musicians to once again speak out in favor of fair pay at SXSW at the Austin Music Commission meeting, August 7th, 2023, 6:30pm, Austin City Hall.

More information and photos here:

https://afm433.com/?page=newsdetails&id=538

Austin Music Commission Delays Vote on Fair Pay at SXSW

At their regular meeting on July 5th, 2023 at 6:30 at Austin Energy Mueller Headquarters, The Austin Music Commission, a body comprised of commissioners appointed by each elected Austin City Council Member, voted to delay their consideration of the Austin Parks and Recreation Board’s Recommendation from June 26th, titled, “Recommend that the City of Austin Council Support Fair Pay for SXSW Performing Artists.” The Music Commission delayed their discussion on the recommendation in order to hear from the numerous musicians and other parties who were in attendance and signed up to speak at the meeting on this topic.

Musicians Win Parks and Rec Board Resolution for Fair Pay at SXSW!

See article here:

https://afm433.com/?page=newsdetails&id=533

Open Coalition Letter to Austin Parks & Rec Board on Pay at SXSW

–For Immediate Release–

The Austin Federation of Musicians’ Executive Board and Festival Committee, along with other organizations, have each elected to endorse an open letter to the Austin Parks and Recreation Board, in support of their March 27th 2023 Proposed Recommendation to City Council, Titled “Recommend that the City of Austin Council Support a Fair Pay for SXSW Performing Artists,” that is scheduled to be reconsidered at the June 26th, 2023 meeting of the Board.

See the attached letter Here: Open Coalition Letter to Austin Parks and Rec Board

See the attached Draft Resolution from Austin Parks and Rec. Board Here: Draft Recommendation onSXSW Fair Pay- 2023-03-27.pdf

Please contact The Austin Federation of Musicians Office with questions at 512-440-1414 or info@AustinMusician.org

Venuology

With Venuology, musicians can anonymously compare notes about music venues… Does the club treat musicians well? How was the sound system? How large was the room? Was there a good crowd? What was the pay situation?

https://venuology.org/