1940-1949
1940 - James Petrillo was elected AFM President. He was to become a famous and pivotal figure in the union's development. He remained as President until 1958. During his tenure, much legislation was passed by the US government that affected the strength of the union in bargaining for musicians. While some anti-union laws affected all unions, the Lea Act (repealed in 1980) specifically limited the AFM's ability to negotiate collective bargaining agreements with radio broadcasters. This bill was introduced in retaliation for strikes Petrillo called against radio broadcasters. Petrillo struggled to find ways to compensate the thousands of musicians who continued to lose work because of recording. As a result of his efforts, the AFM and the recording companies agreed to create the Recording and Transcription Funds (later named the Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Funds) which continues today to promote music appreciation and music education through sponsorship of free public performances throughout the US and Canada.
1941 - Arrangers and copyists established minimum wages for engagements with traveling orchestras.
1944 - The union obtained its first written collective bargaining agreement with the motion picture industry.
1946 - The AFM celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
1948 - US President Harry Truman played duets with AFM President Petrillo at the AFM International Convention.
