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.

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Officer Columns, Vice President from Canada

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Alan Willaert – AFM Vice President from Canada

Social Media Can Unite Musicians, But Unions Hold the Power for Results

Social media has provided our musicians and artists an entirely new way of reaching their target audience. It’s a wonderful way of expanding a fan base, posting daily activities and itineraries, and generally keeping the band relevant in a very competitive music environment.


We Negotiated What? Details of the Commercial Announcements Agreement

Negotiations have successfully concluded with the Association of Canadian Advertisers and the Institute of Communication Agencies. A deal in principle has been reached, which will extend to April 1, 2020.


Qu’avons-nous négocié? Détails de l’Entente sur les messages publicitaires

Les négociations avec l’Association canadienne des annonceurs et l’Institute of Communication Agencies ont été couronnées de succès. En effet, nous avons conclu une entente de principe qui, une fois ratifiée, s’appliquera jusqu’au 1er avril 2020. La nouvelle Entente collective générale pour les messages publicitaires est plus compacte, à jour et, à certains égards, radicalement différente.


Le représentant local : une ressource précieuse de recrutement et de syndicalisation

Le représentant local qui se rend sur les lieux des prestations est une ressource très précieuse et souvent négligée.


Your Local Business Rep: A Valuable Tool for Recruitment and Organizing

A very valuable and often overlooked position in each AFM local’s personnel is the on-site representative (sometimes referred to as a “business agent”). Each local is required to have at least one person designated as such.


2018 Negotiations to Bring More Covered Work

The Canadian Office has several negotiations occurring simultaneously. Some of these negotiations are ongoing and others are just beginning.


Les négociations de 2018 élargiront la portée de nos ententes

Le Bureau canadien tient plusieurs négociations simultanément, certaines qui continuent et d’autres qui commencent tout juste. Nous sommes notamment en discussion depuis plus d’un an en vue d’une nouvelle entente avec l’industrie du jingle.


Who Says This Stuff?

There is no doubt that the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) has been predominantly concerned of late in seeking new employers to bargain agreements with, and specifically those involved in media.


CFM Negotiates with the Media Giants

The General Production Agreement negotiated between the CFM and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has been ratified with an overwhelming majority.


Don’t Quit Your Day Job

The campaign to get musicians paid for showcasing at the BreakOut West festival in Edmonton this year spawned three weeks’ worth of radio interviews, print, and online media coverage, as well as social media jousting, and effectively polarized two viewpoints.








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