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.
October 19, 2017
Employer Mark Welty was fined over $280,000, in penalties after his employee Nicholson Tinker was killed on the job due to a hazardous work environment. Tinker was killed when a cinderblock wall collapsed on him during a demolition. Welty acted with plain indifference towards the health and safety of his employees—lack of proper structural assessment, inadequate bracing and shoring for the wall, and lack of safety training for the employees.
October 19, 2017
All three Florida Democratic candidates for governor support raising minimum wage to $15 an hour.
October 19, 2017
In early October, CIW sent a letter to Wendy’s CEO Todd Penegor, along with the company’s board chair and a major shareholder, that called attention to sexual violence that occurs in Wendy’s supply chain and requested a meeting to discuss the issue.
October 19, 2017
During the outbreak of fires in California, about 20% of the fire fighters who were called to duty were earning just $10.50 per hour, minimum wage.
October 19, 2017
Though the hotel general manager claims that he was terminated due to “serious and demonstrable misconduct,” it is suspicious that the firing came one day before the Anchorage Assembly passed new protections for whistleblowers reporting mold in public buildings like hotels.
October 19, 2017
On October 18, Postal workers and their supporters rallied in front of Boston’s main post office to protest job cutbacks that have led to long lines and delivery delays around New England.
October 17, 2017
Hurricane Maria left many of Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra members homeless and 3 week later, they began a series of free concerts to help heal the island.
October 12, 2017
The University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music has announced that it will award Honorary Doctor of Music degrees to legendary musicians Steve Gadd and Chick Corea, both members of Local 802 (New York City).
October 5, 2017
The roster of nominations for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 2018 has just been announced. The list includes The Cars (and members Elliot Easton of Local 47, Los Angeles, and Ric Ocasek of Local 802, New York City), The J. Geils Band (and Seth Justman of Local 9-535), The longtime New Orleans band, The Meters, with Art Neville and George Porter, both of Local 174-496 (New Orleans), and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste of Local 47.
October 3, 2017
Major labor unions in the US are organizing truck drivers to help with Puerto Rico relief efforts following Hurricane Maria. The problem is exacerbated by the shortage of diesel fuel and blocked roadways due to hurricane debris and damage.