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 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
August 3, 2017
Using mathematical analysis, researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Frankfurt, Germany, found that the thrush nightingale can sing in an off-beat “swing time” like jazz musicians.
August 3, 2017
Nissan workers in Canton, Mississippi, will vote today on union representation by United Auto Workers. In advance of the election, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a complaint alleging unfair labor practices. Nissan has threatened the 3,700 employees with loss of wages and benefits and threatened to close the plant if employees do support a union and promised increased benefits and improved conditions if they oppose.
August 1, 2017
In mid-JulyBerklee Faculty Union announced that the 200-plus full-time and part-time faculty of Boston Conservatory at Berklee had joined the union
August 1, 2017
All of the work was filed under the AFM Motion Picture Agreement. As contractor, I was responsible for the musicians’ weekly payroll during the entire project.
July 28, 2017
MONO offers a full range of pedalboards that combine modern design and practicality. Built of laser cut aluminum, they are light enough for easy portability, yet built tough enough to withstand stomping.
July 28, 2017
Crush Drums & Percussion’s stunning Sublime Birch series delivers full and fat tones found in vintage drums with the advantages of modern shell hardware and design