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 Find Your Local
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM



Home » Orchestra News » Cape Symphony Musicians Ratify First Contract


Cape Symphony Musicians Ratify First Contract

April 2, 2018

  -  

After 10 months of negotiations between Local 9-535 (Boston, MA)—along with the negotiating committee—and representatives of the Cape Symphony Board, the Cape Symphony is now a union orchestra. Musicians voted 59 to one to ratify the first contract for the symphony that was founded in 1962. The agreement includes tenured status for a roster of 69 musicians with more robust job security protections, favorable leave provisions (for musicians who are cobbling together complicated professional schedules), a generous increase in wages, modest sick pay provisions, and meaningful participation in the audition process for new members.

Cape Symphony Musicians also perform with many of the finest orchestras in and around Boston. All the Cape Symphony musicians are professionals, most with degrees from world-class conservatories.

The Cape Symphony Committee helped organize the Cape Symphony and negotiate the first CBA for the orchestra founded in 1962. Standing (L to R) are Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) members: Norma Stiner, Wendy Rolfe, David Rufino, and Clark Matthews; seated is Stu Gunn.

Clark Matthews, principal horn and chair of the negotiating committee states, “This contract is a product of a multigenerational, pan-organizational collaborative desire to create a work environment capable of sustaining the highest quality of artistry for our community on Cape Cod. We are pleased with the agreement and the development of a mutually respectful relationship with our dedicated management team.”

Local 9-535 Vice President and Lead Negotiator Robert Couture, says, “We appreciate the Cape Symphony team for their work in these tremendously productive negotiations and are pleased to join this wonderful organization as we look to the future and help to bring the finest talent to the Cape Cod audience for years to come.”

“This Cape Cod organizing effort was a process that began 10 years ago (in 2008) proving yet again that perseverance is the key to success,” says Local 9-535 President Pat Hollenbeck.






NEWS

AFM Musicians Affirm Support at “Many Crafts, One Fight” Rally

March 7, 2024

AFM musicians joined thousands in solidarity at the “Many Crafts, One Fight” negotiations kickoff rally March 3 hosted by International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and Hollywood Basic Crafts unions as they headed into their negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Hot on the heels of the recent bargaining […]

Tax Filing Tips – 2024 (US)

March 1, 2024

It’s Tax Time: Make It Easy on Yourself To help streamline your 2023 returns, here are some of the new and enhanced programs issued by the IRS in 2024. Taxes can be complicated for musicians. Which form? What can I claim? E-file, where? To help you sort it all out, we outlined a few basic […]

AFM Fair Share for Musicians Solidarity Rally Sets Tone for Negotiations

January 23, 2024

A little rain couldn’t dampen the high spirits of close to 300 AFM members and supporters during a morning rally and press conference on January 22 in front of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) headquarters in Sherman Oaks, California, on the first day of negotiations for the Motion Picture/TV Film contract. […]