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.
April 26, 2017
Workers around the country are planning to participate in labor stoppages and rallies on May 1, under a national call to action.
April 26, 2017
There is a tremendous amount of work to be done in this area. It certainly seems the fellowships are barely making a dent in terms of creating more diversity.
April 25, 2017
May 1 is International Workers’ Day. Though it is celebrated as Labor Day in many parts of the world, it is not widely recognized in the US. Surprisingly, the holiday began here as part of the 19th century labor movement’s drive for a 40-hour workweek.
April 18, 2017
On June 9 legendary singer and guitarist Glen Campbell of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) will release his final album, Adiós. In a career spanning five decades, he has sold more than 50 million albums.
April 18, 2017
In fiscal years 2016 and/or 2017, each one of those orchestras received an NEA grant to support one of a wide range of projects, both strikingly beautiful and culturally relevant
April 10, 2017
SAG-AFTRA is demanding that the Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) recognize the union as the legally certified bargaining representative for workers at two popular Los Angeles radio stations—La Raza (KLAX/KXOL 97.9 FM) and MEGA (96.3 FM)
April 10, 2017
In April Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Rudy Chu (D-CA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) hosted “Beyond the Red Carpet: Movie & TV Magic Day” to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, talent, and innovation of the television and film industry that supports two million workers in all 50 state
April 10, 2017
A new exhibit that opened in April in Savannah, Georgia, honors Westley Wallace “W.W.” Law, a prominent Civil Right leader, historian, community leader, and the founder of Savannah’s black musicians union (AFM Local 704).
April 10, 2017
The AFM joined 11 other arts and entertainment groups in sending a letter to Congress opposing President Trump’s elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the privatization of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The letter urges Congress to at least maintain current funding for the institutions. It reads, in part:
April 10, 2017
Writers Guild of America (WGA) resumed contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing broadcast and cable networks and movie studios, on April 10.