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.
October 1, 2020
Looking ahead in this pandemic-driven time of political and economic uncertainty, professional musicians, whether working in the gig economy as freelancers or employed under orchestral or theatrical collective bargaining agreements, are coping with the fear being used to exploit us by employers and by politicians on the local, regional, and federal levels. Fear is the […]
October 1, 2020
Revisions to Canada’s Copyright Act are imminent, and indications are that many of the recommendations submitted by the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM), perhaps most, have a very good chance of making it into legislation. Contained within our submission was expansion of the private copying regime, administered by the Canadian Private Copying Collective (CPCC), in […]
October 1, 2020
As the already lengthy pandemic continues, we are seeing governmental support come to an end, putting increased financial stress on musicians who are out of work. The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO has put together a resource list that may be helpful to you based on your individual situation. Health Insurance (Medicaid) and ACA Health […]
October 1, 2020
The return of the traditional live music business cannot come quickly enough for musicians, music venues, and the people surrounding the entertainment world who derive their livelihood from it. Of course, that also goes for the music lovers who crave great live music experiences. In March, when COVID-19 brought live music to a standstill, the […]
October 1, 2020
The year 2020 has been one we will never forget. A seemingly non-stop wave of unexpected events has challenged us in ways we could never have imagined not long ago. The global pandemic has turned almost everything upside down, and musicians are among those who have been hit the hardest. We can’t predict what the […]
September 1, 2020
The billionaires are getting richer from this pandemic, while millions of working people are out of their jobs. Mega-companies are gaining big chunks of ground, not just in market share, but in their ability to influence politicians, and entire governments.
September 1, 2020
If you and your family are mostly hunkered down due to the coronavirus, you may want to consider taking advantage of an amazing opportunity from Union Plus. A program Union Plus is currently offering can be life-changing for those who have a desire to complete their college education (bachelor’s degree) online at little or no […]
September 1, 2020
en français When the pandemic is contained and conditions are favourable for live music to restart, we must all be prepared for an unprecedented, extremely difficult recovery. Every facet of the business/life we love will be tested—severely so—and the one thing that will ensure survival is also the most difficult thing to achieve: Solidarity. It […]
August 31, 2020
It is critically important that we engage with employers on this bedrock principle of unionism—workplace safety.
August 28, 2020
On Friday, August 7, the AFM International Executive Board (IEB) met by Zoom meeting to discuss the possibility of endorsing a candidate in the upcoming US presidential election. All IEB members were present for the meeting. The IEB is very much aware that we have a diverse membership that has views that cover a wide […]