The AFM Convention Report

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) held its 103rd International Convention from June 20-23. Under the theme “Two Countries, One Union,” The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada held its 103rd Convention in Ottawa, Canada, from June 20–23. Delegates from across the US and Canada gathered to strengthen cross-border solidarity, vote on the union’s future, and elect leadership for the next three years.

Election results are as follows:

• International President: Tino Gagliardi, Local 802 (New York City) by acclamation
• Vice President: Dr. Karen Suarez Flint, Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL)
• Vice President from Canada: Allistair Elliott, Local 547 (Calgary, AB) by acclamation
• International Secretary-Treasurer: Ken Shirk, Local 99 (Portland, OR) by acclamation

International Executive Committee:

• Marta Bradley, Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD)
• Kale Cumings, Local 6 (San Francisco, CA)
• Leonard DiCosimo, Local 4 (Cleveland, OH)
• Edmund Velasco, Local 7 (Orange Co./Long Beach, CA)
• Dusty Kelly, Local 149 (Toronto, ON)

AFM Convention delegates considered 5 recommendations from the International Executive Board and 42 Resolutions (as listed in the April 2026 International Musician). Most notably, Recommendations 1 & 2 from the IEB included a per capita raise to fund expanded Federation resources — primarily in organizing and recruitment — and expectations of the locals across the federation to take part in the newly funded initiatives.

After robust testimony and committee deliberations, a substitute resolution from the Joint Law and Finance Committee was developed which combined the two recommendations, restructuring the original per capita increase recommendation into a graduated succession of lesser increases over three years and articulating a vision of locals advancing their own organizing efforts with the support of expanded Federation resources.

A notable example of democratic legislative process in action, the substitute recommendation was delivered to the Convention floor and passed by the delegates. Additional issues addressed through presentation and legislative debate at the convention included the threat of artificial intelligence; assistance to small locals; investment in organizing and education; and growing the union.

In his closing address, International President Tino Gagliardi praised delegates for passing measures to strengthen the union’s infrastructure and renew its commitment to organizing freelance and independent musicians.

“One thing is clear to me: we can only tackle all these different fights if we remain united,” Gagliardi noted. “What we did here was an important start, but solidarity isn’t something you practice at a convention and then go home. Organizing needs to happen year-round and at the local level.”