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 1, 2024
IM -by Laurence Hofmann, AFM Symphonic Services Division Communications and Data Coordinator; Immigration Department Visa Consultation Administrator; Touring/Theatre/Booking Division Contract Administrator
The AFM, together with the symphonic player conferences, has long been collecting data about wages and working conditions of affiliated orchestras. In 2015, a database was built to address environmental concerns about the waste of printed booklets and to offer more dynamic and up-to-date information. The online database is both an archive and an interactive collection of data that can be reorganized in various reports using a set of criteria.
After years of use and adaptations, the code of the site was becoming frail. The AFM decided it was time to revamp the database. To maximize the new database, we worked with the player conferences to review and streamline the questions used to gather data from collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and financial information from the locals with jurisdiction over orchestras and from management.
We reduced the number of questions to ease the work of delegates responsible for entering and updating their orchestra’s data. To facilitate preparations for contract negotiations, we targeted the questions to optimize analysis of each orchestra’s standards.
The new database will also be an invaluable tool for audition applicants to evaluate future employment. Users may review information about wages for rostered musicians and subs/extras, number of services, health and other benefits, working conditions and job security, audition procedures, orchestra committees, and many other items contained in the specific orchestra’s CBA. Users will also gain insight into the financial condition of each symphonic employer: budget size and spending and the sources of funding for the orchestra.
A basic comparative tool will be available to find peer orchestras by using a limited set of criteria. Once the orchestra’s data and peers are determined, users can research the SSD Resource Center, hosted on the AFM website, to pull CBAs of comparable orchestras. This is the direct link: https://members.afm.org/member/page/id/10633
The new wage chart webpage will be located at ssdwagechartarchive.afm.org. Please watch for the announcement of its official launch in the International Musician.
The original wage chart website is still accessible at https://wagechart.afm.org/login/. Only AFM members can access these invaluable resources.
Do not hesitate to contact me directly with your questions, email: lhofmann@afm.org or call: 917-229-0211.