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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM



Home » Orchestra News » Cleveland Contract Provides Raises


Cleveland Contract Provides Raises

  -  

In mid-December, musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra ratified a new contract. The deal is retroactive to August 31 and is effective through 2017-2018 season. Musicians had been working under a play-and-talk arrangement since August, when their previous contract expired.

The agreement provides increases in wages, and improves musicians’ working conditions while on tour. Musicians allowed for changes to recording and broadcast provisions, will contribute more toward their health insurance, and will donate 12 services over the duration of the contract. The pay gap between members of The Cleveland Orchestra and their peers at other major orchestras had widened over the past few years and this contract narrows that difference.

The orchestra also recently announced a surplus of $72,000 for fiscal year 2014—especially impressive considering it had increased its budget by more than $2 million. Higher attendance at Severance Hall, Blossom Music Festival, and the orchestra’s annual residency in Miami brought earned revenue to a record $21 million. At $11.1 million, annual gifts surpassed the record set last year, and The Cleveland Orchestra brought in $32 million in other donations. Its endowment grew by nearly $10 million.

The Cleveland Orchestra attributes its successes to efforts toward deepening the relationship between the institution and its community.







NEWS