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 8, 2020
The FMSMF distribution was issued on May 22, more than a month earlier than the originally scheduled normal distribution date of July 1.
May 27, 2020
There are probably a hundred reasons why an AFM member will agree to take a non-union job. But in the end, I would argue all those excuses do not justify the tremendous harm done to the musicians’ labor movement and the core principles of our union when professional musicians agree to take non-union work.
May 21, 2020
The Players Conferences Council consists of the top elected leader of each Player Conference and they have begun weekly videoconferencing amid COVID-19.
May 14, 2020
In many, if not most, of our ICSOM orchestras, we have succeeded in maintaining an environment of trust and cooperation in this unprecedented situation.
March 31, 2020
Unemployment insurance provides partial wage replacement payments to eligible workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced.
March 30, 2020
The one thing we can be confident of is that we will need to remember our common needs and goals. We will survive COVID-19, as we have survived all along: by banding together.
March 30, 2020
The ICSOM is doing what they can to protect their musicians and aid in slowing the spread of the virus, including closing down orchestras.
March 30, 2020
This message is intended to provide (1) legal guidance regarding the application of force majeure and (2) practical guidance as to steps you may want to take in dealing with management.
March 11, 2020
From January 17-19, I had the great pleasure of representing the AFM at the 2020 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, held at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, D.C. The theme of the conference, “Give Us the Ballot, Political Boot Camp,” emphasized the importance of us getting out to vote and making sure our members understand why the 2020 election is critical.
March 5, 2020
Here are some highlights and things to remember for musicians who do their own income tax filing in Canada from tax specialist Normal Slongo.