EMERGENCY DEMONSTRATION TO STOP MAJOR LABEL AI LICENSING
Start: Friday, January 16, 2026•12:00 PM
In the upcoming Sound Recording Labor Agreement contract negotiations with the major labels, the AFM may be willing to ask for pro-indie demands on AI and portable benefits. We need to bolster their resolve by rallying in the streets.
When: Friday January 16, 12 noon EST
Where: WMG Headquarters 1633 Broadway
JOIN US!!! Bring your (unamplified) instruments!
We Need a Union is demanding:
1. NO MAJOR LABEL LICENSING TO AI COMPANIES without the consent of ALL who recorded it— including "non-featured artist" band members, sidemusicians, and DJ-producers.
2. FAIR PAY for those who consent: commensurate with the corporate profits being made and the loss of employment suffered.
3. PORTABLE BENEFITS for indie label musicians DISTRIBUTED by the major labels.
In addition:
- please pass this around to your friends
- please sign/circulate the We Need a Union petition.
- recording artists/songwriters: don’t sell out! sign our PLEDGE: NO AI licensing without a fair deal for ALL recording musicians.
We Need a Union campaign is supported by Music Workers Alliance, Austin Texas Musicians’ Organization, and Indie Musicians’ Caucus of the AFM, and welcomes the participation of all rank and file indie musicians.
