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.
March 1, 2018
IM -In December, Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra ratified a four-year CBA under which its musicians, represented by Local 443 (Oneonta, NY), will see wage increases and other significant improvements. Base musician wages will increase 3% in each year of the contract, in addition to increases in guaranteed weekly minimum salary, overscale for principal players, and pension contributions. Improvements to sick time, bereavement leave, personal leave, and guaranteed season leaves of absence will also take effect. A new position has been added to the core roster; language regarding dismissal policy has been improved; and opportunities for additional work will be added as the festival grows.
“This contract achieves significant gains for our membership in many areas,” says Committee Chair Greg Spiridopoulos of Local 443. “We are especially pleased to have been able to make these enormous strides for our entire membership in a compact negotiation, which was achieved by establishing a mutually respectful relationship with management early in the process and identifying the shared goal of the company’s artistic growth.” Negotiator and Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) Vice President Robert Couture was brought in by Local 443 to assist throughout the negotiating process.