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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM



Home » Recent News » Malaysia Receives Upgrade Despite Continued Worker Trafficking


Malaysia Receives Upgrade Despite Continued Worker Trafficking

  -  

After lawmakers placed restrictions on the Fast Track bill that prohibit the US from making fast track trade agreements with countries ranked as tier-three on the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, Malaysia was upgraded from that lowest rating. “This clearly political decision undermines the credibility of important anti-trafficking efforts and underscores the fact that the Obama administration is perfectly willing to abandon workers to pursue its trade agenda,” says AFL-CIO political blogger Charlie Fanning.

An upgrade on the TIP report should signify progress in curbing human trafficking, but in the case of Malaysia, where trafficking is a major black market industry, labor and human rights groups say this is not the case. Malaysian officials frequently line their pockets or turn a blind eye to pervasive exploitation. Most of Malaysia’s victims are among the country’s 4 million migrant workers (40% of its workforce) who work in industries such as varied as electronics, agriculture, domestics, and the garment sectors.

Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal accused Malaysian Prime Minster Najib Razak of pocketing more than $700 million in public funds. The regime’s history of corruption and anti-transparency greatly undermines any promises made regarding human trafficking.







NEWS