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 » Orchestra News » New Jersey Signs 2015 Contract


New Jersey Signs 2015 Contract

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After more than a year, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) has signed a two-year agreement that was ratified in December 2015. The agreement is retroactive to September 2015 and effective through August 2017.

The agreement includes an allowance to continue to iron out several minor outstanding issues after ratification. Due to management delays, the process of addressing those issues and signing the contract dragged on until April of this year.

Under the two-year agreement, the season length remains 29 weeks and the orchestra size remains 66 musicians, members of Local 16-248 (Newark-Paterson). Annual salary increased from just over $37,000 in 2014-2015 to $38,529.43 in the current 2016-2017 season.

NJSO musicians previously did not contribute to healthcare, but are now responsible for a small portion of a deductible. Vacation structure changed from two vacation weeks and one relief week per season, to three vacation weeks. A 36-week cap was set for maximum disability time.







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