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.
August 21, 2017
In the years when there is no AFM Convention, the Federation hosts the Locals Conference Council (LCC) and Players’ Conference Council (PCC).
August 16, 2017
Early in 2015, after several years of lobbying efforts by AFM Legislative and Political Director Alfonso Pollard and AFM International President Ray Hair with the National Instrument Carry-On Coalition, the US government voted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act into legislation.
August 9, 2017
A broad coalition of labor organizations, including the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and AFL-CIO, have launched strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s pick to head the government’s personnel office.
August 8, 2017
The US Justice Department urged the federal appeals court in Manhattan to reject a lawsuit from a former skydiving instructor who claimed he was fired for being gay
August 8, 2017
The Trump Administration has delayed or withdrawn 860 regulatory rules during its first five months, according to an article on manufacturing.net. Among suspended Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules were provisions regarding combustible dust exposure, construction noise, vehicles driving in reverse at factories and construction sites, and chemical exposure standards.
August 8, 2017
On July 15, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and National Public Radio reached a tentative, three-year agreement, preventing 400 NPR employees from striking.
August 8, 2017
Canadian unions are celebrating the adoption of Bill C-4, which repeals the Conservative, anti-union Bills C-377 and C-525. Bill C-377 created red tape that would have forced unions and the businesses they work with to spend millions of dollars and thousands of hours producing and processing expense reports to be reviewed and filed. Bill C-525 would have made it more difficult for federally-regulated workplaces to join a union. Prime Minster Justin Trudea had pledged to repeal the bills if elected.
August 8, 2017
On July 27, 700 workers employed by Swissport at Pearson Airport in Toronto, Ontario, walked off the job. The workers are baggage and cargo handlers, maintenance personnel, and cleaners for more than 30 airlines. They sited the company’s uncompromising attitude and disrespect for workers as the cause of the labour dispute.
August 3, 2017
AFM President Ray Hair announced a the AFM has reached an agreement with American Public Media and Minnesota Public Radio that extends the current contract by three years. Musicians working on more than 20 public radio programs, including Performance Today and Prairie Home Companion are covered under this contract.
August 3, 2017
In July NPR released “The 150 Greatest Albums Made by Women,” a comprehensive list of women-generated albums from 1964 to the present