Star Campaign Goes Super Nova

The American Federation of Musicians has won its campaign to “Support Tejano Advancement in Recording,” signing the five major labels that record Tejano and other forms of Latin music to an industry-wide contract. The AFM’s national recording agreement guarantees these musicians wages, royalties and pensions on par with those received by musicians who record rock, country and other styles. AFM Organizer Michael Muniz began working with Tejano musicians, who were paid as little as $50 per song recorded, nine years ago.

At the request of then-AFM President Steve Young, CWA highlighted their plight by inviting several, above, to perform at the 1999 CWA convention. CWA also steered them to the San Antonio Workers’ Rights Board, which held public hearings. “We are extremely grateful to the community and labor leaders who began to work with us in 1996 to identify the issues and raise the consciousness of the public and the musicians,” AFM President Tom Lee told a congressional panel Sept. 8.