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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM



Home » Orchestra News » Colorado Springs Phil Abandons Commitment to Musicians


Colorado Springs Phil Abandons Commitment to Musicians

  -  

In late September, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic’s (CSP) board of directors voted to cancel its contract with musicians due to lost revenues because of the corona virus. The cancellation comes after months of negotiations between the Philharmonic and its musicians about how best to share the sacrifices needed for the organization to endure the pandemic. Most recently, working with a federal mediator, musicians offered to accept the total loss of their guaranteed salaries for the entire period of the pandemic and for six months beyond the end of the pandemic. Philharmonic management rejected the offer.

The CSP musicians, who are members of Local 154 (Colorado Springs, CO), have declared they will consider all options going forward, including arbitration of CSP’s termination of contract, which the union sees as illegal.

“Their vision for the future doesn’t seem to involve a professional orchestra,” said cellist Sarah Wilson, who is also president of Local 154. “When the pandemic ends, Colorado Springs still deserves a professional orchestra. Management’s position will all but ensure that Colorado Springs won’t have one.”







NEWS