Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Home » Recent News » Child Labor Still a Problem in Tobacco Industry


Child Labor Still a Problem in Tobacco Industry

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Various North Carolina farmers affiliated with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company illegally hired children under 13 years old to harvest tobacco crops, a recent report revealed. Commissioned by the tobacco company, the audit found that 40% of its contractor farms employed underage workers, violating the Federal law on child labor. In particular, 16% of minors (under the age of 16) illegally performed hazardous work.

Baldemar Velasquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO (FLOC), says “We’ve been telling the company for eight years now that there are serious labor violations happening all over Southern tobacco fields, including on Reynolds farms.” He adds, “Reynolds has continuously denied that these conditions exist and has tried to sweep labor issues under the rug.” In 2014, after a Human Rights Watch report brought public attention to the issue, RJ Reynolds American and Altria Group pledged to put a halt to the hiring of children under age 16. According to Velasquez, though, it is not a priority so it’s not happening.  







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