The American Federation of Musicians reacts to results from a consultation held amongst members of La Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec

MONTREAL, June 13, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (« AFM ») wishes to react to results from a consultation initiated by La Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec regarding a potential disaffiliation from the AFM.

Despite having campaigned since it was decided on December 19, 2013 during the Guilde's General Membership Meeting to hold such a consultation, results are barely over the simple majority as 46.6 percent of the members surveyed, voted against the disaffiliation. For a disaffiliation to occur, it would now, among other conditions, require more than two thirds of the members in a general assembly to amend the statutes and to vote in favour.

"The music industry does not differ from many other segments of the economy and is increasingly subject to globalisation. Musicians are now called upon to travel and practice their profession outside the province or the country. The AFM brings unparalled negotiating power while respecting regional specificities," declared Alan Willaert, AFM Vice President from Canada.

In case of disaffiliation, la Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec has been made aware that it would have to turn over to the AFM all records, funds, assets and properties.

"Consultation results make it possible to conclude without a doubt, that La Guilde should now focus on its primary role which is to represent our members. We hope that this episode is now behind us and that we can work together going forward, in the best interest of all Quebec-based AFM members." concluded Mr Willaert.

Regarding the AFM

Since 1905, la Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec has been a chartered local of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

The AFM draws on the strength of its 90,000 member-musicians, with 17,000 active members in Canada. The AFM and its 25 chartered locals across Canada negotiate agreements for their members which protect ownership of recorded music and secure benefits such as health care and pension.

In addition to contract negotiations, the AFM offers specialized services ranging from immigration to media recordings to touring; and the AFM actively lobbies government on Copyright reforms as well as other matters of interest to professional musicians living in Canada.  The AFM is there to help its membership take advantage of all career opportunities and to optimize the level of their professional working environment at every stage in their careers.

For more information, please visit www.afm.org

SOURCE: American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada ("AFM")

Jessica Vadnais
514-987-9711