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.
May 19, 2016
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has reported that Verizon sent a letter to striking workers encouraging them to cross their picket line. At 36,000 employees, the strike is the biggest American work stoppage since 2011 and, according to experts, it could have far-reaching effects on both workers and employers.
May 16, 2016
On April 17 internationally acclaimed violinist and Local 20-208 (Chicago, IL) member Rachel Barton Pine was denied boarding with her violin—a 1742 Joseph Guarneri “del Gesu” violin. The instrument, insured for $20 million, is on lifetime loan from an anonymous benefactor.
May 10, 2016
The 2016 JUNO Awards were held in Calgary, Alberta, Sunday, April 3. Leading up to the televised event, the city hosted JUNOfest,
April 28, 2016
Negotiations between Airbnb and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) fell apart amid fierce backlash from other labor unions and housing activists across the country
April 17, 2016
AFL-CIO strongly objects to a New Jersey takeover proposal of Atlantic City that eliminates all collective bargaining agreements. With battle lines drawn that would affect thousands of workers and more than 100 union contracts, the national AFL-CIO has joined the fight.
April 17, 2016
A federal appeals court ruled March 25 that a Jimmy John’s franchisee illegally fired six workers for publicly protesting the company’s sick leave policy.
April 16, 2016
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) reached seven tentative contract agreements with United Airlines for 30,000 workers.
April 14, 2016
If you are lucky enough to live in Portland, Oregon, you can celebrate Record Store Day 2016 with Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) member Bonnie Raitt. She will be at Music Millennium on Saturday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m., ahead of a sold-out performance at the Keller Auditorium on April 17.
April 14, 2016
The Culinary Workers (Local 226) and Bartenders (Local 165), Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE, have been certified as the legal collective bargaining representatives of more than 500 workers at the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, the union announced this month.
April 14, 2016
Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister’s pledge to make it much more difficult for workers to organize a union amounts to stacking the deck against workers.