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

Alan Willaert

AFM Vice President from Canada


Changing Workplaces Review Special Advisors’ Interim Report

This 312-page document contains a synopsis of submissions from various unions and organizations that pertain to areas of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA) that may no longer be relevant in today’s workplace—specifically to workers in the audiovisual/media industry

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Music Policy Coalition: A United Voice for Copyright Reform

In recognition of that, the MPC has decided to put forth a short list of guiding principles for copyright reform, as opposed to specifics. This allows for a better opportunity to achieve consensus.

While still in draft form, here are the main points:

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isoHunt Settles as Five-Year Copyright Act Review Approaches

In the upcoming five-year review of the Canadian Copyright Act, certainly one of the hot topics under scrutiny will be Internet service provider (ISP) liability. At the start of 2015, a new Canadian law came into effect called the “Notice and Notice” regime. It requires that all ISPs to forward copyright infringement notices to customers suspected of downloading unauthorized content like movies, TV shows, and music.

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Devastating Decision by German Courts

A 19-year-long copyright suit filed by the German e-music pioneer band Kraftwerk for infringement against Sabrina Setlur, has been decided, and the result is not good news for the community of creators.

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The Global Digital Content Market

The creative industry represents more than 30 million jobs worldwide. The global music recording industry is worth US $15 billion. Revenue from digital sources grew to $6.8 billion and is now equal to those from physical sources, averaged across all markets.

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Local 406 Is Back!

Difficulties had progressively mounted, as our third largest local, Local 406, was straddled with the overwhelming obligations of representing all musicians in the province under Status of the Artist.

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The Music Business—Machine or Eco-System?

My friend, Local 149 (Toronto, ON). Senior Business Rep Dan Broome has bad days and good days—in other words, he ranges from highly intelligent to genius. One of his theories is that music is an eco-system, which upon reflection, is accurate.

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International Conference Examines Performers’ Rights and Online Revenue

International Conference Examines Performers’ Rights and Online Revenue—

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«Si j’exige un contrat, je vais perdre mon engagement. » Vraiment?

«Si j’exige un contrat, je vais perdre mon engagement. » Vraiment? — « Sans contrat », « non Guilde » ou « au noir » sont autant de synonymes du travail que les membres choisissent – ou se laissent convaincre – de faire sans remplir et soumettre la documentation se rapportant à l’une ou l’autre des ententes de l’AFM ou aux tarifs de leur section locale.

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If You Ask for a Contract, Will You Lose the Gig?

If You Ask for a Contract, Will You Lose the Gig? — The AFM provides legally-tested contracts and report forms for use by members for all types of musical engagements to protect the work they do and the products they create from capricious misuse and unauthorized additional uses.

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