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.
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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.
January 11, 2016
IM -While the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues to advertise internationally for its auditions, musicians are cautioned to steer clear of this symphony known for its egregious contract violations. The boycott began in 2012 when nine key musicians—among them the concertmaster, co-concertmaster, tutti first violin, tutti first viola, principal timpani, and principal trombone—were suddenly terminated. While no reason was given, it is suspected that it was an intimidation tactic before presenting the remaining musicians with a new contract that they were asked to sign and return within a few days.
Aside from trying to hire replacement musicians under far-inferior contracts (working for 25% less in some cases and two-year posts with “no expectation of renewal”), the symphony has since committed more assaults on worker rights. In order to take unpaid leave (for performances, auditions, etc.), not only do musicians lose salary, but they are required to pay expenses (air travel, accommodations, and salary) for the sub. At the start of the 2014/2015 season, members returned to a contract that redefines “legitimate” children for the purpose of benefits. Children from common-law marriages are no longer provided visas, health insurance, school subsidies, etc. This included two 16-year principal wind players who have a child together. They went as far as to tell the mother that she is no longer recognized by MPO as the child’s legal guardian.