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.
August 31, 2020
IM -On August 16, the musicians of the Utah Symphony—members of Local 104 (Salt Lake City, UT)—ratified a COVID-19 Waiver Agreement modification to their four-year agreement that runs through August 31, 2022; the waiver agreement runs from August 31, 2020 through May 29, 2021.
Utah musicians have been furloughed since the end of May and will now return to work on August 30, 2020. Musicians agreed to a 23% reduction in base salary for the 2020-2021 winter season, along with various changes to working conditions. Crucially, the symphony agreed not to invoke force majeure or to furlough the musicians for the period of the waiver agreement, and further agreed to allow musicians at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness to opt out of live performances.