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, Secretary-Treasurer

Ken Shirk – AFM International Secretary-Treasurer

Working Musician Connection E-mail Launches

This month my column focuses on initiatives and benefits, new and old, to AFM membership. Working Musician Connection I am proud to announce the upcoming launch of the AFM Working Musician Connection—an electronic newsletter (e-newsletter) focused on career building for musicians. This e-newsletter will be include advice and tips to help freelance musicians find work […]


Year-End Happenings

While I was using some personal time, not at Federation’s expense, I recently found myself in Phoenix with friends. Many of them were in attendance at a marvelous gig, which was held in a jet airplane hangar dressed out like a dude ranch. The almost unbelievable interior was transformed by the Emmy award winning set […]


Check Out Your Health Insurance Choices on November 15!

On November 15, the second open enrollment period will begin, allowing you to enroll in health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If you don’t have health insurance, this is the time to sign up; if you do have coverage, it’s important to re-evaluate your health care needs.


Need Health Insurance? Check Out the Working America Health Care Program

Did you know an unexpected trip to the hospital could cost you and your family nearly $2,000 a day? The hefty price tag does not even include prescription drugs or medical procedures, which easily can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. It’s no joke. Roughly 62% of all bankruptcies in the US are […]


Is It Time for a Coverage Check-Up?

When was the last time you looked at the fine details of your insurance policies to make sure you are getting adequate coverage, and not over-paying for that coverage? The US Small Business Administration recommends annual reviews of insurance policies. Below I have detailed some insurance policies designed for musicians and offered to AFM members.


Right to Work for Less

As I review the benefits we provide our members I am reminded that nonmembers in certain states are enjoying the same benefits due to the right to work for less. A collective agreement that provides health benefits, pension, and a living wage all are received by the freeloading nonmembers who refuse to pay their fair share. Your stand […]


Department of Professional Employees (DPE) and the AFM

The AFM belongs to the Department of Professional Employees (DPE). The DPE is part of the AFL-CIO and represents professional and technical unions. While the basic tenants of unionism are collective bargaining and we are all governed by Taft-Hartley, the professional technical unions such as the AFM, the National Football League, SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the American […]


AFSCME Wants Your Help Getting the Word Out That ‘Unions Work’

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 […]


AFM’s Financial Health is Restored

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. 


Union Benefits: More than Just CBAs

While a prime reason to belong to the union is collective bargaining agreements, there are a number of other advantages to belonging and participating in union benefits. Annually, I review some of the programs available to our members. The AFM is part of the Union Plus, Liberty Mutual, and Mercer programs. The Union Plus Credit […]








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