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 » Orchestra News » Met Orchestra Announces Details of New Contract


Met Orchestra Announces Details of New Contract

  -  

Details of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra’s three-year contract, ratified September 2018, have been released. The agreement, retroactive to August 1, 2018 and continuing through July 31, 2021, will provide an 8.2% salary increase over three years, a substantial increase in the musicians’ pension plan, and a mid-season break in February to allow for rest. There will be flexibility in touring and symphonic performances and a Sunday performance schedule will be phased in beginning in the 2019-2020 season. Musicians will contribute modestly to a healthcare premium cost-sharing plan while making no other changes to coverage or deductibles.

Negotiations were difficult and the successful result was due in large part to unprecedented house-wide unity, with joint bargaining between AFM Local 802 (New York City), representing the musicians, and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), representing the company’s chorus, dancers, stage managers, stage directors, and supers. The MET Associate Musicians and the MET Music Staff also negotiated a new contract. Additional gains in the contract include the creation of a new Artistic Advisory Committee, a formalized tenure review process, updated audition procedures, strengthened workplace health and safety measures, changes to anti-harassment and discrimination policies, and new collaborative fundraising and audience development initiatives.







NEWS