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 York Philharmonic Ratifies Contract


New York Philharmonic Ratifies Contract

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Musicians of the New York Philharmonic ratified a new contract December 13. The contract is retroactive to September 20, 2013, when the previous deal expired. Musicians will see modest wage increases in each of the contract’s four years, for a total wage increase of 6.5%. That will bring base salaries to $146,848 by the final year.

Under the new agreement, musicians will contribute more toward their health care. Pension benefit levels will remain the same until the fourth year; at that point, pension negotiations will reopen. If a pension agreement is not reached by May 31, 2016, there will be no fourth year.

New York Philharmonic raised a record $31 million last season, but still had a $6.1 million deficit on its $71 million budget at the end of the 2012-2013 season. This made negotiations contentious, with management seeking wage cuts. Dawn Hannay of Local 802 (New York City), a violist and negotiating committee chair, says, “In these times of economic uncertainty, it was important to achieve a sense of stability, so that we can focus on bringing the highest level performances to our audience both in New York City and around the world.”







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