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 » AFM and Advertising Industry Reach Three-Year Deal


AFM and Advertising Industry Reach Three-Year Deal

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Representatives of the AFM, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), and the American Association of Advertising Agencies’ (4A’s) Joint Policy Committee on Broadcast Talent Union Relations (JPC) announced today that a successor agreement has been reached covering the services of professional musicians who record music tracks in the production of television, radio, and Internet commercial announcements. The parties began negotiating in February to modify the previous 2009 contract.

This new Jingles and Spot Announcements Agreement will run three years and provide for an upfront 6% increase in wages applicable for recording sessions and re-use payments. The contract also provides needed improvements to health and welfare payments, cartage payments, sideline services, Internet wages, and pension contributions.

In addition, the parties agreed on the addition of innovative provisions, such as a waiver for certain types of Internet productions, and a structural feature that permits advertisers to pay an upfront fee for 52-week initial soundtrack use and re-use cycles covering all media.

“We have concluded an exceptional and progressive agreement with the advertising industry that we believe achieves our goals, both economically and structurally,” says AFM International President Ray Hair.

“These negotiations have been a positive and productive step towards a partnership with commercial musicians and the AFM. I look forward to the ratification by their membership,” says Joint Policy Committee Lead Negotiator Stacy K. Marcus. 

The agreement will be submitted for ratification to AFM rank-and-file musicians, a process that is expected to conclude in 60 days. While all terms and conditions of the new contract are effective immediately, the industry will have 60 days following ratification to implement the new terms.







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