American Federation of Musicians

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM/AFofM) is a 501(c)(5) labor union representing professional instrumental musicians in the United States and Canada. The AFM, which has its headquarters in New York City, is led by president Tino Gagliardi. Founded in Cincinnati in 1896 as the successor to the National League of Musicians, the AFM is the largest organization in the world to represent professional musicians. It negotiates fair agreements, protects ownership of recorded music, secures benefits such as healthcare and pension, and lobbies legislators. In the US, it is known as the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), and in Canada, it is known as the Canadian Federation of Musicians/Fédération Canadienne des Musiciens (CFM/FCM).

The AFM is affiliated with AFL–CIO [the largest federation of unions in the United States]; the Department of Professional Employees, the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), the National Music Council, and the Canadian Labour Congress, the federation of unions in Canada.

Founded more than 125 years ago, the purpose of the American Federation of Musicians remains the same: to elevate, protect, and advance the interests of all musicians who receive pay for their musical service. Provided by Wikipedia