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.
February 1, 2014
According to Nielsen and Billboard’s 2013 Music Report, which compiles music sales, radio airplay, and music streaming data, more than 118 billion streams took place in 2013. While total sales of physical albums dropped by about 14%, the number of albums bought on vinyl increased by 33%.
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In January, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a formal complaint against Walmart for violating the rights of nearly 70 workers who rallied over workplace conditions in 14 states on Black Friday. The workers were illegally fired and/or disciplined for speaking out. If the retailer is found liable workers could have any disciplinary actions […]
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AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka applauded President Obama and the Senate’s selection and confirmation of Janet Yellen as chair of the Federal Reserve. Trumka said, in part, “As chair of the Federal Reserve, Janet Yellen will deepen the commitment to the Fed’s ‘dual mandate.’” Aside from being a brilliant economist, “her well-deserved ascension to the chair […]
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According to an end of year report from classical event finder and reviewer Bachtrack, AFM members were among some of the hardest working classical artists worldwide. Among the top 10 busiest conductors was Michael Tilson Thomas of Locals 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and 9-535 (Boston, MA), ranked eighth. Sadly, the report found only one of […]
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Carla Lehmeier-Tatum – Regional Orchestra Players Association President and President of Local 618 (Albuquerque, NM) News of the Minnesota Orchestra contract ratification was received by the industry with great relief for our brothers and sisters in the Twin Cities. The solidarity and endurance that these musicians displayed was remarkable. The frustrations and hardships they endured […]
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Vince Trombetta – AFM International Executive Board Member and President of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) Throughout the last few years it has been impressed upon you the serious state of the Federation’s finances. The Federation has a number of strengths, but in years past, its finances have become its Achilles heel. Under AFM President […]
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Musicians and management of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) agreed to a new three-year contract in January, eight months in advance of the current contract’s expiration date. The last time DSO went through contract negotiations, it led to a six-month musician strike. This time around, the faces around the bargaining table were almost entirely new, […]
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Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra’s collaboration with Woodbury University’s School of Fashion Design was “an immediate good fit,” according to Dr. Kathryn Hagen, chair of the fashion department. At the November Fashion Meets the Phil gala concert, a guest artist and four orchestra musicians, members of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA), wore gowns specially designed by Woodbury […]
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Musicians of the New York Philharmonic ratified a new contract December 13. The contract is retroactive to September 20, 2013, when the previous deal expired. Musicians will see modest wage increases in each of the contract’s four years, for a total wage increase of 6.5%. That will bring base salaries to $146,848 by the final […]
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The Regional Mexicano Traveling Musicians Union by Ken Shirk, Assistant to the AFM President, AFM West Coast Office Charter members of the AFM’s newest local gathered January 8th to adopt bylaws, elect temporary officers, and chart the course of their new union. The Regional Mexicano Traveling Musicians Union, AFM Local 50 (Nongeographic), held its first […]
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