Quebec musicians vote to leave American Musicians Union

In a report by the Toronto Star, the Quebec chapter, AFM local 406 have voted 53% to disaffiliate with the American Federation of Musicians, the parent musicians union headquartered in New York City. Voter turnout was reported at 70 per cent.

Despite the 3% majority, it may not be convincing enough to force a split. The Union on both sides are looking into their bylaws to see if there is anything in it that can provide a definitive answer.

“For 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,” said Canadian vice-president Alan Willaert.

The AMF have sent the guild a letter, reminding them that if they disaffiliate, they would need to give over all records, databases, files, properties, equipment and bank accounts to the AFM. It would also be required to pay back $15,000 in loans and cover the costs in recouping all assets.

Michael Vincent