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.
December 1, 2018
IM -At the beginning of October, musicians of the Houston Symphony Orchestra (HSO) ratified a three-year contract that runs from October 7, 2018, through October 3, 2021. HSO musicians are represented by Local 65-699 (Houston, TX). HSO is a 52-week orchestra with an annual operating budget of $33.9 million.
After holding salary at $97,240 for the 2018-2019 season, musicians will receive raises of 4% and 4.1% in the following two seasons, respectively—bringing compensation to $105,300 by the 2020-2021 season. Seniority pay will also increase under the new contract.
Orchestra size remains at 84 musicians, but the bargaining unit will increase to 85 in the 2020-2021 season, when the orchestra librarian will be added to the CBA. Also new under this agreement, parents will be able to take an additional two weeks of sick leave in the first six months following the birth or adoption of their child.
“We were able to achieve an agreement that propels the HSO forward to become one of the leading orchestras of the AFM,” says Local 65-699 President Lovie Smith-Wright.