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.
December 14, 2016
With Heritage opening the door to examine and revise so many aspects of the laws that affect culture—and musicians—we felt that it was best to separate our recommendations for the Copyright Board (which are procedural and regulatory in nature), and treat the 2017 s.92 Copyright review as a separate issue.
December 12, 2016
Several years ago I wrote an article about the importance of our connection and involvement with other labor organizations in our communities. I feel it bears repeating.
December 5, 2016
I am pleased to announce that the Federation has concluded negotiations with the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions for a successor Pamphlet B Agreement.
November 30, 2016
When I looked at him questioningly, he repeated the statement with renewed emphasis and added admonishingly, “Read your bylaws!”
November 14, 2016
Know your value and stand up for your rights!
November 4, 2016
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Rochelle Skolnick, SSD counsel, has been chosen to fill the SSD director position.
November 2, 2016
I am delighted to announce two important changes to Federation staff—one in our Symphonic Services Division…
October 31, 2016
This 312-page document contains a synopsis of submissions from various unions and organizations that pertain to areas of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA) that may no longer be relevant in today’s workplace—specifically to workers in the audiovisual/media industry
October 12, 2016
In recognition of that, the MPC has decided to put forth a short list of guiding principles for copyright reform, as opposed to specifics. This allows for a better opportunity to achieve consensus.
While still in draft form, here are the main points:
October 10, 2016
This was my first experience with the power of the paper trail, which is a direct result of the protections of working under an AFM contract.