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.
December 1, 2018
IM -Musicians of the New Mexico Philharmonic, members of Local 618 (Albuquerque, NM), ratified a new five-year master agreement, effective 2017-2022. This agreement, the third CBA bargained for the organization created in 2011, was reached after 18 months of bargaining, two of which involved federal mediation.
The musicians accepted modest per service rate increases after a 2017-2018 wage freeze and agreed to increased attendance requirements. The musicians granted greater scheduling flexibility to allow the management and board four years to achieve and maintain financial stability. Musicians will no longer hold seats on the New Mexico Phil Board of Directors. However, the board agreed to take part in a free program from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service mediators to improve communications and relationships among New Mexico Phil musicians, management, and the board.