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: white house

Books-Resources, International Musician, Products

LESTER LANIN: An intimate view of America’s Favorite Society Dance Band and its Leader

December 1, 2017 IM

One of the most in-demand bandleaders of all time, Lester Lanin began his career in the 1920s and his popularity grew worldwide. He was hired to play for socialites, celebrities, dignitaries, and monarchs, from multiple White House inaugural balls to parties for Frank Zappa and Billy Joel. This memoir by Lanin’s longtime pianist, Al Warner of Local 802 (New York City), gives his intimate view working for the indomitable maestro for 17 years.

Lester Lanin: An Intimate View of America’s Favorite Society Dance Band And Its Leader, by Al Warner, Spring Promise Productions,
www.springpromiseproductions.com.

Worker Voice Summit Scheduled for October

August 18, 2015 IM

The White House has announced its summit on worker issues, the Worker Voice Summit, will be held October 7. The summit will include a discussion of the value of collective bargaining and how to encourage collective bargaining. It will bring attention to new and innovative ways that workers are coming together to have a voice in their workplaces and engaging employers in meaningful partnerships.

“There’s an inverse relationship between union membership and the size of the cap between rich and poor,” says Labor Secretary Thomas Perez. “As the number of workers choosing to be represented by unions increased in the middle of the 20^th century, the share of income going to the wealthiest 10% declined and prosperity was broadly shared. But as union membership has steadily fallen in recent decades, the share of income going to the top 10% has steadily climbed.”

Union membership could mean an extra $200 per week for workers, he adds.