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.
April 24, 2021
IM -In March, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) announced that it will extend its musicians’ contract through June 2024, maintaining all pay, benefits, and work rules of the current CBA. The deal was ratified unanimously by the musicians, 15 months ahead of time.
While many orchestra negotiations since the pandemic have involved pay cuts, SPCO musicians are scheduled to receive a 2% raise in fiscal year 2022, and pay will remain at that rate through the life of the new contract. SPCO achieved a small surplus on its $9.7 million budget in fiscal year 2020, and for years has been putting surpluses toward a “rainy day” fund, which has helped the organization weather the pandemic.
“By unanimously approving this contract extension, the SPCO musicians join the management and board in solidarity as our organization navigates the challenges of the pandemic and recovery together,” says Lynn Erickson of Local 30-73 (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN), an SPCO trumpet player and chair of the orchestra committee.
Local 30-73 President Brad Eggen adds, “The extraordinary musicians of the SPCO and their union representatives share with the entire SPCO community a unified objective—to ensure that this inspiring organization continues to thrive. This agreement is wholeheartedly supported by all and serves that essential purpose.”
SPCO is looking into the possibility of presenting live performances with audiences beginning in the fall.