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.
February 1, 2014
IM -A The New York Times article uncovered numerous labor abuses at the hands of overseas suppliers to the US government. According to its investigation, Uncle Sam purchases around $1.5 million in clothing from factories exploiting workers with little regard for working conditions. The purchased uniforms are resold to federal workers.
Among the companies was Missouri-based Propper International, which has a $30 million contract with the General Services Administration. Several of its Dominican Republic and Haiti based suppliers are paid unlivable wages. For years the company skirted Puerto Rican labor laws that would have granted 12 paid sick days and 15 days paid vacation by firing and rehiring workers. When workers earning just $5.85 per hour fought back, the company moved its production to the Dominican Republic where it could pay them $5 per hour less. Workers at the company’s Haiti factory, who work forced and unpaid overtime, earn at most $.72 per hour.