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.
August 31, 2024
IM -“Firing dancers? Not the answer” and “Union busting is disgusting!” rang out from nearly 200 protesters marching in front of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. The rally on August 17, led by the national labor union American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), was in protest of auditions taking place at the dance company to replace main company dancers who were fired in mid-August.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) terminated its entire company of dancers on August 10, according to a statement posted on social media by the labor union representing the dancers. The surprise move comes months after the dancers had formed a union to negotiate with the company’s management.
This action comes after AGMA filed unfair labor practice charges recently against DBDT. AGMA says there are several issues cited, including unilateral changes to employee benefits, a retaliatory discharge, refusal to hire for teaching positions, and restrictive employee policies.
“The filing of these ULPs [unfair labor practices] is a crucial step in holding DBDT accountable for their punitive reaction to their dancers’ unionization and ensuring that the rights of the dancers are protected,” says Griff Braun, AGMA national organizing director.
Protesters included community members, local and state officials, and members of Local 72-147 (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX), Actors’ Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, and the Dallas AFL-CIO.