A study from The High Pay Center showed that British executive pay rose six times higher than pay for the average worker from 2016 to 2017. Median pay for bosses of FTSE 100 companies (the 100 with the highest market capitalism on the London Stock Exchange) rose 11% to £3.9 million while salaries of median workers barely keep up with inflation. An employee with a median salary of £23,474 would have to work 167 years to make what a FTSE 100 boss on median pay makes in a year. Meanwhile, recent statistics show British wage growth is at its weakest in 43 years.
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.