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.
February 11, 2016
IM -Independent US West Coast refiner Tesoro Corp has agreed to pay $8.08 million to 769 United Steelworkers union members in California and Washington State who were denied bonuses while on strike in 2015, the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reported. The bonuses were awarded March 6, 2015 to nonstriking employees for the previous year, but Tesoro withheld the bonuses from the striking workers, contending it was in accordance with an agreement between the union and the company. Complaints were filed with the NLRB by workers at the company’s Carson, California, and Anacortes, Washington, refineries alleging failure to pay the bonuses was done in retaliation for the strike and an unlawful modification of the agreement, the NLRB said. Under the settlement agreement, Tesoro admits no violation of the US National Labor Relations Act, the NLRB says.