AFTRA have been in negotiations with the major labels on a new sound recordings contract since August. The current contract ends New Years Eve.
AFTRA is the American Federation Of Television and Radio Artists and the current contract expires December 31st:
According to canoe.ca: “singers, royalty and non-royalty artists, as well as announcers, actors, comedians, narrators and sound effects artists who work on recordings in all new and traditional media and all music formats, in addition to audiobooks, comedy albums and cast albums.”
"Talks between AFTRA and Sony, UMG, Warner, EMI, Disney and their various subsidiary labels started in New York August 15 and reconvened Sept. 12 -16. An additional day of bargaining has been set for Oct. 5. "
So add another huge problem for the Big Four.