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 » Recent News » No Fair Offer Yet for Striking Verizon Workers


No Fair Offer Yet for Striking Verizon Workers

  -  

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has reported that Verizon sent a letter to striking workers encouraging them to cross their picket line. At 36,000 employees, the strike is the biggest American work stoppage since 2011 and, according to experts, it could have far-reaching effects on both workers and employers.

“I think the workers feel pretty threatened and would be willing to hold out for a fairly long time,” says Jeremy Schwartz, associate professor of economics at Loyola University. In April, all along the East Coast, unionized workers walked off the job, citing layoffs that led to longer work hours and less job security. They also said employees are being forced to work out-of-state positions for extended periods of time. Striking workers are not being paid and the company recently cut off their health benefits, a move Schwartz says could play a dramatic role in the success of their efforts. “These are not upper-class workers, so I’m sure the time that they’ve had off of work is already pretty painful,” he says. “The fact that they’re willing to go this long is a testament to how threatened they feel.”

While Verizon issued a statement saying they have offered workers a 7.5% salary increase over the next three years with no layoffs as a final offer, sources say the strike could continue for some time.







NEWS