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.
September 13, 2018
IM -The Metro transit system in the nation’s capitol must provide $82 million to fund 1.6% annual wage increases to thousands of workers by summer 2020 following the decision of an arbitration board. While Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 had asked for 4% annually, the union has said it will accept it under the current circumstances. The two sides had been unable to reach an agreement on a replacement contract to the one that expired July 2016.
However, it wasn’t completely positive for the workers. Employees must now increase their contribution to health care costs from 17% to 20% and pay increased deductibles and copays. The arbitrator did now agree to Metros ask that future hires be switched to a 401(k) instead of the current Metro retirement system.
The union says that the contract award will not eliminate many of the issues—disciplinary disputes, elimination of jobs, and possible privatization—that are at the root of conflicts with management. Earlier this summer union members voted to authorize a strike and have said they won’t be backing down from that threat.