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.

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Tag Archives: Municipal Democracy

International Musician, Recent News

Dozens of Ontario Newspapers Cease Operations

December 4, 2017 IM

A swap deal between Postmedia and TorStar will see 36 newspapers shuttered—all but two of them in Ontario. The two organizations are swapping a total of 41 daily and weekly newspapers. Postmedia will close 23 of the 24 publications it takes over, putting 244 people out of work by mid-January. TorStar will immediately shut down 13 of the 17 newspapers it acquired from Postmedia and lay off 46 staff.

Communication Workers of America (CWA) Canada President Martin O’Hanlon called it a “dark day for local journalism” and said it is a “deathblow to local newspaper competition in many communities.” O’Hanlon added, “it’s bad for local journalism and bad for municipal democracy.”

CWA Canada represents workers at the Peterborough Examiner, which will continue to operate under TorStar, and at Northumberland Today, one of three dailies that will shut down immediately. With the exception of Exeter Times-Advocate/Weekender, Postmedia plans to close all of the community newspapers it acquired. Of the 17 newspapers acquired by TorStar, only four dailies will survive.