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.
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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.
March 1, 2021
IM -On November 26, 2020, the musicians of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, members of Local 6 (San Francisco, CA), ratified a two-year extension agreement of their 2015-20 agreement that runs from December 1, 2020, through November 30, 2022. The musicians and management had steady communication from March until reaching agreement in late November; a mediator was engaged for the final two months of negotiations.
The orchestra agreed to approximately 77% of the 2019-20 base salary, plus an additional lump sum payment of $3,925 each year, in the form of either an IRS Section 139 Disaster Relief Payment (as long as the disaster declaration is in force), or a 403(b) employer contribution. The Disaster Relief Payment is not considered “wage replacement.” Nevertheless, such payment, coupled with the season guarantee, results in annual compensation equal to approximately 83% of the 2019-20 annual guarantee.
All orchestra members, contracted substitutes, and extras were paid fully through the end of the 2019-20 season. The 2019-22 IMA and COVID-19 Side Letter, which qualifies them for Tier 4, were ratified along with this agreement.