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.
January 1, 2021
IM -Musicians of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra have ratified a one-year contract modification that runs from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Although management had aimed for a longer-term contract, musicians succeeded in keeping the concessionary terms to one year only.
In August, Chicago Lyric Opera invoked force majeure and stopped paying wages to musicians; shortly afterward, the company questioned the continuation of health care coverage beyond December. A labor grievance was filed with an arbitration date set for November, and it was just days before arbitration that the company agreed to discuss a one-year modification as opposed to a multi-year contract; from that point, an agreement was quickly reached.
While the season length remains at 22 weeks in the CBA, musicians will be paid for 11 weeks during the 2020-21 season, and vacation pay will be waived. Services and hours will be calculated on an individual basis and the company will make best efforts to be equitable in allocating work among musicians. The number of contracted positions remains at 70, but only the 57 active musicians will receive payment in the current season.