Fair Contract for Musicians And Stop A.I. Theft!

The American Federation of Musicians and AFM Local 802 held a solidarity rally with live music in Times Square on Wednesday, demonstrating a unified front as the second round of negotiations for the AFM's Sound Recording Labor Agreement resumed with record labels, including Sony, Universal, Hollywood Records and Warner. Top demands from the musicians include fair wages and preventing A.I. from stealing musicians’ creativity. In addition to AFM International President Tino Gagliardi and Local 802 President Dan Point, speakers included Congressman Jerry Nadler, Actors' Equity Executive Director Al Vincent Jr., WGA East Secretary-Treasurer Sasha Stewart and other union officials and musicians. Live music was provided by Five Borough Brass by Local 802 musicians, performing with a union contract.

Local 802 President Dan Point said, "Musicians are leading the fight for fair wages, health care, retirement benefits, protection against A.I. theft, and – most important of all – a voice at the table. We demand consent, compensation and credit when A.I. is trained on our creative work. If A.I. learns, we should earn!” Musicians are asking the public to sign their petition here!