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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM

Recent News

Teamsters Vote to Strike

Teamster mechanics have overwhelmingly rejected United Airlines’ final offer. More than 93% of the 9,000 mechanics in the bargaining unit who voted, were against the company’s “substandard” proposition.


From Margaritaville, with Love

The Jimmy Buffett musical does not have a title yet, but it’s got a plot and dates for a world-premiere production. The show, whose main character is drawn from one of the Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member’s many novels (A Salty Piece of Land), will begin previews at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse in spring of 2017.


AFL-CIO President’s Message to Senate Republicans: Do Your Job

As President Obama prepares to nominate a new Supreme Court justice to fill the vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalia’s passing, Republicans have vowed to block the nomination—even though they are constitutionally obligated to vote on the President’s appointment.


AFL-CIO President Demands End to Deportations

At a worker center in Pasadena, California, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka joined the Los Angeles Labor Federation of Labor President, Pasadena City Mayor, and California State Labor Commissioner to oppose the ongoing deportations of immigrants.


Is Wall Street Afraid of Sanders?

Wall Street is in a panic at the thought of a President Bernie Sanders, claims Stephen Schwarzman of the private equity firm Blackstone. In an article in the Wall Street Journal he blamed recent global financial trauma on the “market’s fear” that Sanders could be elected.


Tesoro to Pay Bonuses to Refinery Workers

Independent US West Coast refiner Tesoro Corp has agreed to pay $8.08 million to 769 United Steelworkers union members in California and Washington State who were denied bonuses while on strike in 2015, the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reported.


Musicians Union Applauds Introduction of the ARTS Act

The AFM applauded the introduction of federal legislation to streamline the visa process for musicians and other artists traveling to the US.


Master New Music Skills Twice as Fast

New research shows that the key to learning a new motor skill, like a new instrument or playing technique, is not how many hours you spend practicing, but the way you practice. By subtly varying training, you can keep your brain active throughout the learning process and can halve the time it takes to get up to scratch.


Record Number of Workers Identified as Contractors

For the second year in a row, the Louisiana Workforce Commission identified a record 19,956 workers that employers misclassified as independent contractors in 2015. The agency also found employers had more than $50 million in unreported taxable wages and about $1.5 million in unreported and unpaid unemployment insurance taxes.


Lawsuits Claim Disney Colluded to Replace US Workers

Before being laid off from Walt Disney World, Orlando, one year ago, Leo Perrero spent months training a temporary immigrant from India to do his technology job.








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