AFM Supports Protests Against State Anti-Union Laws
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) supports fellow union members in their protests against the attempts by some state lawmakers, in particular Governor Scott Walker in Wisconsin, to reduce and/or eliminate collective bargaining rights for state workers. More than 60,000 people, including members of AFM Locals 166 (Madison, WI) and 8 (Milwaukee, WI) joined last weeks’ protests in Madison. “The AFM joins its brothers and sisters in Wisconsin and elsewhere in condemning this assault that, in effect, would undermine middle-class jobs by lowering wages, shrinking benefits, weakening unions, and destroying collective bargaining,” says AFM President Ray Hair.
The AFM and the AFL-CIO have called for rallies of solidarity all across the country. “Not only is it a matter of just supporting our brothers and sisters affected by these anti-union measures, but many AFM members could be directly affected as they work as public school teachers or band and orchestra leaders,” adds Hair.
For more information on how to show your support, visit the AFL-CIO website atwww.aflcio.org.
ABOUT THE AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, videogames, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.
For more information, visit the Web site at www.afm.org.
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