Musicians Union Delivers Petitions To AMPTP Demanding Fair Contract – Update

UPDATED with more details: The American Federation of Musicians delivered a petition to managements AMPTP on Thursday demanding a fair contract.

More than 100 musicians marched to the front doors of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, where they were not allowed entrance.

“They are in this building and they are willing to deny us behind closed doors, but they will not do it in the open,” musician and organizing committee member Jason Poss said. “They will receive these petitions, even though they dont want to receive them today. This is a victory. We have shown what is going on and they cannot hide from us any longer. This is just the beginning.”

Supporters included representatives from the WGA West, SAG-AFTRA and the American Federation of Teachers/United Teachers Los Angeles. “We writers know that music is a crucial element in bringing our stories to life,” said Angelina Burnett, who serves on the WGA Wests board and agency agency negotiating committee. “Musicians make invaluable contributions to our film and television projects, whether theyre made for traditional outlets or streaming services. The Writers Guild of America West stands together with musicians to demand fair pay and respect for their work.”

“All 160,000 members of SAG-AFTRA stand united with you for good pay and fair working conditions,” said Jane Austin, SAG-AFTRA national secretary-treasurer and president of the Los Angeles local. “Its not new media. Its now media. And its time that they start paying. Were all artists and performers, and it doesnt matter if were in front of the camera, behind the mic or playing an instrument. We all deserve fair compensation regardless of what platform on which our work is being displayed.”

The chief issue in is residuals from films and TV shows made for streaming services. Unlike actors, writers and directors, musicians dont get them, although they do receive residual payments for secondary-market re-uses of theatrical and TV films. The two sides havent met at the bargaining table since March. Their current contract is set to expire November 14.

“Musicians are essential to the entertainment industry; bringing films and television series to life with music,” the petition states. “As the industRead More – Source

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