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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Home » Recent News » Guitar Center Workers Ratify First Contract


Guitar Center Workers Ratify First Contract

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On July 11, The Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) announced that Guitar Center workers in four stores have ratified their first union contracts. Under the new contract, more than 100 workers at the stores located in New York City; Chicago, Illinois; Danvers, Massachusetts; and Las Vegas, Nevada; will receive guaranteed base wage increases over the three-year term of the contract and access to union-provided health care insurance. “The contract ratified tonight wrote the songbook for workers in the retail music industry,” says RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum. “Workers from all four stores fought to ensure the voices of their over 100 co-workers were heard—and the company listened. I am extremely proud of the negotiations team involved in this first contract and the provisions they reached in unison.”

“I love this job and it has provided me the supplemental income to pursue my career as a musician. Thanks to our work with the RWDSU and the company we have made these jobs even better. I look forward to further pursuing my musical aspirations,” says Cody Bergstrom, a nine-year Las Vegas Guitar Center employee. Musicians, union members, and the public are urged to patronize these stores.







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