AFM International Executive Board Endorses President Barack Obama

October 24, 2012

New York, NY — At its October meeting, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) International Executive Board announced its endorsement of President Obama for a second term. The board cited the progress Obama has made in appointing members to the National Labor Relations Board who understand the needs of working people; reversing the anti-labor legacy he inherited, including advocating for the Employee Free Choice Act that ensures workers’ rights to organize; pushing for the elimination of tax breaks for companies that outsource American jobs; and calling on the rich to pay their fair share of taxes.

“President Obama inherited a real mess four years ago and has stood by the working people in this country during our emergence from the Great Recession. He offers the best hope for recovery and prosperity over the next four years, and he deserves a second term as our President,” said AFM President Hair.

Among issues of particular importance to the AFM’s member musicians is the President’s stance on health care reform. Obama’s Affordable Care Act will expand health care coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans, including many independent contractor musicians. His Administration also supports reformed intellectual property protection and has worked to make foreign countries accountable for copyright infringements.