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

Officer Columns, President's Message

Standing Together, Winning Together: The Fight for Fair Orchestra Contracts

From the concert hall to the orchestra pit, our symphonic communities are proving this fall that better working conditions are won only through unyielding courage, solidarity, and resilience. This resolve reminds us that whether we push back against cuts, hold the line during negotiations, or face strike authorization votes, our greatest power is our unity. […]


Music Equipment Protection Coverage—Ever More Near …

Decades ago, the AFM was the first one out of the gate to get the ball rolling for affordable musical equipment insurance for professional musicians. Until we got into it, meaningful equipment insurance for working, gigging musicians was simply not available at realistic and affordable prices. Through the AFM’s group membership benefits insurance broker at […]


Protect Working Musicians Act

When it comes to negotiating with billion-dollar streaming and technology companies that have enormous legal, financial, and technological resources, independent musicians have been out of luck. The imbalance is not one of talent; it is one of leverage. Musicians are forced to accept unreasonable terms or walk away. Musicians may receive only fractions of a […]


AI Lawsuits, Governance, and Collective Action

Last month, I referenced the breach-of-contract lawsuit that was filed by the AFM against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG). The suit alleges the labels violated the Sound Recording Labor Agreement by failing to compensate session musicians following lucrative artificial intelligence (AI) licensing deals, which came on the heels of settlements reached […]


SRLA Negotiations, AI, and the Road Ahead

Protecting the livelihood, creativity, and identity of professional musicians across all sectors of our industry remains our constant mission. As you’ve read in previous columns, a major focus over recent months has been negotiations for a successor Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA), which covers singles, albums, streaming, radio, vinyl, and other sound recordings produced with […]


Player Conferences, AI Litigation, and Contract Safeguards

The Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM) conference wrapped up last week in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Celebrating their 50th year, delegates from 21 orchestras across Canada met and shared orchestra reports. They also heard from Orchestras Canada Executive Director Katherine Carleton, the Musicians Pension Fund of Canada, and other guest speakers. Attendees took part in an […]


Greed, Progress, and the Looming Threat to Our Livelihoods

I write this month’s column from within the boundaries of a First Nations spiritual ceremony taking place on the traditional lands of the Cherokee Nation. Out of respect for the ceremony and traditions of the people who preserve and carry forward these kinds of ceremonies, I won’t go into detail about it, except to say […]


Writing Our Obituary Is Not an Option: We Must Defend Our Rights

The AFM has consistently prioritized generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in bargaining. As our Canadian national electronic media contracts come up for renewal, we are working to incorporate GAI language that protects musicians’ recording work. Musical content recorded for film, television, or digital media is “covered work” under our agreements, whether those recordings use GAI or […]


No Intermission for Union Work

For many, August is synonymous with winding down, stepping away from the daily grind, and taking a well-deserved summer vacation. Many symphonic workplaces enjoy a brief summer hiatus. But for union leadership and player conference delegates and members, summer tells a very different story. While the rest of the world slows its pace, our player […]


Good-bye to Past Colleagues and Welcome to New Ones

The 103rd Convention has spoken and set the Federation stage for the next three years. I’m looking forward to working with the 2026 iteration of the International Executive Board. As of August 1, Karen Suarez Flint, secretary-treasurer of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL), will be joining as the Federation’s next international vice president, replacing Dave Pomeroy, […]








NEWS


https://totoabadi25.com/ abadicash abadislot Menara368 royalbola abadislot abadislot menara368 abadicash menara368 totoabadi Menara368