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.
On September 4, the Federation opened negotiations with the major television networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) for a successor Live Television Videotape Agreement. During this first round, both sides exchanged opening proposals and returned initial impressions to the other side. In addition to much-needed structural changes to some sections of the agreement, the AFM is […]
Read MoreIn the world of AFM policy wonks, the perception is that the AFM Secretary-Treasurer is in charge of International Musician. The reality, however, is that the AFM International Executive Board is the supervisor of the paper. My job is to make sure that we have the staff to produce it and get it into the […]
Read MoreIn 1998, I was a newly elected secretary-treasurer of AFM Local 105 (Spokane, WA). Our president was Jimmy Bee Nixon, a rock ‘n’ roll bassist originally from Bakersfield, California. I remember complaining to him about the unfairness musicians face in our work. I also clearly remember the sparkle of mischief and challenge in his light […]
Read MoreMost of us get annoyed when ads pop up on social media and we wonder how they knew what we were thinking about. We are already getting used to speaking to Alexa and Siri and it’s hard to ignore that some of the technology references from Back to the Future movies are here. Those are […]
Read MoreIt is my pleasure writing this column on my first official day as AFM director of government affairs. I am thrilled to serve under the leadership of AFM President Tino Gagliardi. I believe that lobbying is, at its best, good storytelling. While advocating for the AFM’s interests before lawmakers and government officials, I will be […]
Read Moreby John O’Connor, Executive Board Member, Local 380-443 (Binghamton, NY) At the 2023 AFM Convention, a resolution was passed designating that the AFM advocate, educate, and organize for health care justice and a single payer system that will make health care a birthright for everyone in the United States. The centerpiece of the resolution, which […]
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