United States Files Complaint Against Boston Musicians’ Association, Local 9-535, American Federation of Musicians, Alleging Union’s Election of Officers Violated Labor Law

BOSTON - The U.S. Attorney's Office has filed a complaint on behalf of the Department of Labor alleging the Boston Musicians' Association, Local 9-535 of the American Federation of Musicians (the "Union"), violated the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (the "Act"), during its December 2025 election of union officers.

The Act regulates labor unions and requires unions to ensure that every member in good standing is eligible for candidacy for office. The Act also requires unions to conduct elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws. The United States alleges the Union failed to uniformly apply one of its candidate qualifications when it allowed some, but not all, candidates to run for office despite membership suspensions. This violation of the Act affected the outcome of the election for the offices of Secretary-Treasurer and Board of Directors. The Complaint seeks an order declaring the election for Sectary-Treasurer and Board of Directors void and requiring the Union to rerun an election for those offices under the supervision of the Department of Labor.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Benjamin of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit is handling the matter.

The claims in the United States' Complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.