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.
October 1, 2020
IM -The musicians of the North Carolina Symphony, members of Local 500 (Raleigh, NC), ratified a one-year COVID-19 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) contract modification that was inserted in the second year of a four-year agreement that will now continue through August 31, 2024. Terms previously agreed to for the 2020-21 season will instead apply to the 2021-22 season, with terms for the remaining two years of the contract each moved one year later. The MOA resulted in a 20.5% across-the-board salary reduction for the 2020-21 season, but adds a substantial Electronic Media Guarantee (EMG) for all players, for a resulting 13.9% reduction in base salary.
Several changes were made to working conditions and scheduling to permit flexibility and more chamber groups. Also in the agreement, for the 2020-21 season, on the first of each month, the Society will make a list of voluntary activities for the promotion of the North Carolina Symphony available to each musician. Musicians may accept or decline to volunteer without impacting their status with the Society. Volunteer activities will not be used in discipline or tenure decisions.