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.
June 3, 2015
In a speech at union headquarters, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka highlighted issues that will be a litmus test for 2016 presidential candidates. He says that they will have to weigh in on items such as minimum wage, fast-track, and sick leave before earning AFL-CIO endorsement.
Read MoreJune 3, 2015
On June 2, working families, labor leaders, members of Congress, and community allies gathered at the AFL-CIO headquarters, behind the White House, and unveiled a giant banner with two simple requests: “show us the text” and “show us the jobs.”
Read MoreJune 2, 2015
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and USPS failed to reach an agreement before the expiration of the current contract in May. According to an APWU news bulletin the USPS is insisting on severe cuts in pay and benefits, though progress has been made on many non-economic issues
Read MoreJune 2, 2015
Houston Symphony plans to hire four new full-time string players, whose primary role will be education and community engagement. These musicians will perform 25 concerts per year with the symphony, but mainly they will work outside the concert hall, in neighborhood schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities.
Read MoreJune 2, 2015
On May 6, the musicians of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra ratified a new five-year agreement during an endowment drive that has achieved a $26 million increase in the past year. The contract provides 1.5% salary gains in each season, in addition to the restoration of 14 of 23 permanent musician vacancies.
Read MoreJune 2, 2015
On April 29, as Baltimore was reeling from riots gripping the city, musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) gathered to do what they do best: play music.
Read MoreJune 2, 2015
In the fall of 2010, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) experienced a devastating six-month strike. Following its settlement the orchestra quickly put the bad times behind it and set to work on a remarkable comeback. Its latest three-year contract was settled in January 2014—eight months ahead of the expiration date.
Read MoreJune 2, 2015
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has created a Fast Food Wage Board to investigate and make recommendations on an increase in the minimum wage for the fast food industry.
Read MoreJune 2, 2015
The 31st annual Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) Conference will be held at the Toledo, Ohio, Grand Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, July 28-July 30. An AFM negotiations seminar will take place July 27, starting in the morning.
Read MoreMay 29, 2015
An article appearing in The Hollywood Reporter explains why US District Judge Louis Stanton decided that Pandora should pay 2.5% of its revenue to BMI
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