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 » Local 47 Officers Participate in Civil Disobedience Action Against Walmart


Local 47 Officers Participate in Civil Disobedience Action Against Walmart

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In a preview of the nationwide day of action that took place on Black Friday, Walmart workers in several Southern California stores walked off the job November 7 to protest the company’s low wages. Walmart earned a profit of $17 billion so far this year, but pays its workers so little than many of them have to rely on public assistance programs to survive. Workers are also protesting Walmart’s retaliation against workers who speak out.

About 500 workers and supporters—community activists and union members, including more than a dozen Local 47 members and officers—participated in what was the largest civil disobedience action in Walmart history. Surrounded by about 100 police officers in riot gear, and with helicopters circling above, 54 protesters were arrested outside a Walmart store in Los Angeles’s Chinatown section. Among those taken into custody, after refusing to leave the peaceful demonstration organized by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor when their permit expired, were AFM Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) Vice President John Acosta and Secretary-Treasurer Gary Lasley.

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Local 47 members (L to R), standing:  Lynn Grants, Maurice Grants, Alan Busteed, (unknown), Vice President John Acosta, Joseph Hancock, Robin Lasley, Secretary-Treasurer Gary Lasley, Neil Samples, Ethan Harris; kneeling: Naomi Sato, EMSD Administrator Gordon Grayson. Photos:  Linda A. Rapka







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