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.
November 25, 2015
IM -Workers at the Stoughton Ikea store near Boston went on strike this week after the company refused to recognize their attempts to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and enter into contract negotiation. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rules allow a company to voluntarily recognize the union when a majority of workers express supporter, however Ikea refused to do so even though 75% of the workers signed a petition affirming their desire to unionize.
“Instead of doing what is right, Ikea has chosen to fight its own hardworking employees. That is wrong. All we want is the chance to earn a better life,” says Chris DeAngelo, who has worked at Ikea for eight years. “We are dedicated to our jobs and wish Ikea would honor its own policy and respect our union rights.”
The employees work in the goods flow department at the Stoughton store, which was the subject of a recent complaint filed with the NLRB alleging that it violated federal labor law. The company settled the complaint with the NLRB.