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.
June 4, 2014
The smart people at AFSCME have done the research. They’ve seen the numbers and the evidence. It’s very clear: unions work. Pretty much everyone benefits when workers have a strong voice and can actively participate in collective bargaining. Now AFSCME wants your help. They’ve created the tools to help spread this message far and wide. Can […]
June 3, 2014
As you know, the 99th Convention adopted a financial package that will raise $1.2 million in additional revenue annually for the Federation, from 2014 onward. The delegates debated and eventually affirmed the financial measures through a simple voice vote—bypassing the time-consuming roll-call vote process that has historically accompanied convention financial resolutions. This was seen as […]
May 20, 2014
Musicians are among the most gifted, focused, and hardworking individuals you will ever encounter, yet many of them find themselves struggling professionally from time to time.
May 16, 2014
Our financials are being prepared for the annual report. AFM members will be able to read the 2013 Annual Report and the LM reports at AFM.org in early May.
May 7, 2014
One of the many important jobs of the International Executive Board (IEB) is to take up recommendations and resolutions that were referred to us during the last convention of delegates.
May 5, 2014
With the CBC already reeling from the loss of Hockey Night in Canada to communications giant Rogers, the Harper government finishes the job with devastating cuts to our national broadcaster. This latest faux pas, which trims $130 million, translates into the loss of 657 jobs. Some of those positions are music producers. These losses will […]
May 2, 2014
There’s a lot going on with the Theatre Musicians Association (TMA) right now. Before I tell you about our 2014 Annual Conference location, I’d like to fill you in on what TMA is up to leading up to our conference and beyond. Theatre Contract Data Repository TMA is proud to announce that the new Theatre […]
April 8, 2014
Recording musicians are delighted to welcome new Director of Electronic Media Services Division Bill Thomas, and we would like to thank AFM President Ray Hair and the AFM International Executive Board for bringing this fantastic professional and terrific person into our organization. We would also like to thank and honor retired EMSD Director Dick Gabriel, […]
April 5, 2014
At the December general meeting of La Guilde des Musiciens et Musiciennes du Québec, Local 406, a motion was passed to conduct a referendum of the members to determine if they should disaffiliate from the AFM. Coincidentally, it was exactly 20 years ago that the exact same question was asked. In 1994, the count fell […]
April 5, 2014
I believe in unionism. I always have, from my earliest working days as a carpenter. I tried to join the Carpenters Union (closed shop, had to know someone). When I transitioned into being a professional, full-time musician, I joined the AFM. I’m not sure why I always felt that unions were a good thing. I […]