Two Countries, One Union: Local 677 at the 103rd AFM Convention

By John LeBlanc, Delegate to the Convention, Musicians’ Association of Hawai‘i AFM Local 677

This past June I had the honor of representing Local 677 at the 103rd International Convention of the American Federation of Musicians, held June 20–23 in Ottawa, Canada. It was the Federation’s first convention in Canada since 1973, and the theme, “Two Countries, One Union,” set the tone for four days of debate, voting and elections. Nearly 200 delegates from across the United States and Canada took part, and roughly a third of them were attending for the first time.

Hawai‘i in the Room

Hawaii’s musicians had more than one voice in the room. In addition to me as Local 677’s elected delegate, fellow 677 member Dana Rokosny attended as a delegate of Local 99 in Portland, Oregon, and Rebecca Matayoshi attended representing ICSOM, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians. Both play in the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, among other ensembles. That put three Local 677 members on the convention floor, each representing a different part of the Federation.

A Bilingual Capital

The bilingual experience began the moment I boarded Air Canada. I had assumed French language and culture were mostly confined to Québec province, with English everywhere else. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa proudly embraces both. Signs and announcements came in French and English throughout, and as a descendant of mostly French ancestors, I loved hearing it.

Ottawa itself is clean, accessible and walkable, full of handsome old architecture, and the weather was perfect. Exploring on foot was a welcome change from our previous convention in Las Vegas, where every destination meant a taxi, ride share or monorail ride.

Leadership for the Next Three Years

Delegates returned President Tino Gagliardi, Secretary-Treasurer Ken Shirk and Canadian Vice President Allistair Elliott by acclamation, while five of the nine International Executive Board seats went to new faces. Dr. Karen Suarez Flint of Chicago made history as the first woman elected AFM Vice President.

The new members of the International Executive Board are very impressive individuals. Each is clearly passionate about the duty to contribute their experience, skills, perspective and resources to the Federation.

Inside the Election Committee

I served on the Election Committee, and I can report that our members can have full confidence in these results. The committee was well organized, well prepared and secure, and it left no opportunity for any tampering with the outcome.

The process was built on transparency and redundancy. Every first-time committee member was paired with a veteran, and each methodical step of the hand count and tally included extra verification, with additional personnel observing throughout. Space was set aside so every candidate could watch every part of the process. For all that care, the committee worked remarkably efficiently, and it was a privilege to see union democracy done right up close.

What Was on the Floor

Delegates worked through 5 recommendations from the International Executive Board and 43 resolutions, with the Law and Finance Committees meeting late into the night to rework the biggest proposals. Small locals voted together as a bloc and shaped much of the outcome. Highlights:

• Per capita dues: The IEB proposed a $20 increase to fund organizing. Delegates amended it to a gradual $4 per year for each of the next three years for regular members, and $2 per year for student and life members.
• Organizing and education: The Federation committed to expanded funding, training and support for locals, with a focus on freelance musicians.
• Freelance Musicians Association: Recognized as the AFM’s newest player conference, giving independent players a formal voice in Federation governance.
• Small locals: New protections and support for smaller locals were enacted.
• Multi-card rebate: Members who belong to more than one local can now apply for a rebate of the Federation’s per capita share for each additional local.
• Artificial intelligence: Expanded focus on protecting musicians’ intellectual property from AI misuse.
• Modernization: The IEB was charged with forming a task force on data management, including exploring an AFM app to connect locals with each other and the public.

The week also included the 2026 Organizing Awards and AFM Diversity Awards, and guests from the Canadian Labour Congress, the AFL-CIO, the UK Musicians’ Union and the International Federation of Musicians (FIM).

For the full record, AFM Director of Communications Antoinette Follett has published a comprehensive Convention Hub online at afmconvention.org.

Small Locals, Big Voices

Small locals from every corner of the United States and Canada made their voices heard. They pressed for attention and resources to support officers and staff who wear many hats and are often spread thin. Many of these locals also cover jurisdictions that stretch across vast geographic areas, which makes organizing a physical challenge as much as a practical one.

Several of these hit close to home. Local 677 is a small local serving musicians spread across an island state, and much of the work our members do is freelance — club dates, hotel and resort gigs, recording, theater and festival work. Support for small locals and a sharper focus on freelance engagement speak directly to how music gets made here. The AI discussion matters to all of us, whether our work is recorded, broadcast or performed live.

Civil Debate, Common Ground

Delegates disagreed on several issues, but the discourse stayed civil, cordial, diplomatic, constructive, respectful and inclusive. It was satisfying to witness healthy productive democracy in action. Most delegates were not deeply versed in Robert’s Rules of Order, and our parliamentarian patiently mentored the body as the proceedings unfolded. By the close of business, there were no big winners or losers, just common ground we could all stand on.

Music and Trivia

There was time for music, too. At the gala, Canadian Paul Shaffer sat in with Tom “Bones” Malone’s Tribute to the Blues Brothers, and his big personality and signature musical style were on full display.

One more piece of convention trivia: the New York Knicks have now won the NBA championship both of the last two times the convention was held in Canada, in 1973 and again this June. Expect Knicks fans in the Federation to lobby hard for another Canadian host.

Solidarity Doesn’t Stay in Ottawa

In his closing address, President Gagliardi made the case that the work begins after delegates go home. “Solidarity isn’t something you practice at a convention and then go home,” he said. “Organizing needs to happen year-round and at the local level.” He pledged that the AFM will keep strengthening member education, freelance musician engagement and organizing, particularly in what he called the battle between artificial intelligence and human artistry.

He also issued a direct challenge: every local leader should enlist at least one member to help with the organizing work ahead.

“Our most valuable asset isn’t our dues; it’s our solidarity. When we work together, there’s nothing we cannot do.”

Tino Gagliardi, AFM International President

I’m bringing that challenge home to Local 677. If you know a musician who isn’t yet a member, or you’d like to help with organizing, education or outreach to freelance players here in the islands, please reach out to the Local 677 officers and Executive Board. Our strength in Hawaii comes from the same place it does in Ottawa: musicians standing together.

Mahalo for the privilege of representing you.
John LeBlanc
Delegate to the Convention, Musicians’ Association of Hawai‘i AFM Local 677

Sources

• AFM 103rd Convention Hub
• AFM: AFM Wraps 103rd International Convention
• International Musician: Reflections on the 103rd International Convention
• AFM Local 47: A Convention to Remember
• AFM Local 655: AFM Convention Report
• ROPA: Resolution 6 update