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.
January 27, 2015
IM -Trade policies, being negotiated in secret, are among the items working Americans should be concerned about in 2015. Among them, the Trade Services Agreement (TISA), the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and FastTrack authority are set to cost Americans jobs and increase inequality across the US and around the world.
TISA, an international services agreement being negotiated between the US and 49 other countries would hand over essential public services to the private sector—who will squeeze every last dime of profit from taxpayers, while degrading services and turning decent careers into minimum wage, no benefit, dead-end jobs.
TTIP is being negotiated between the US and the 28 European Union countries. It would eliminate “regulatory barriers” to trade, and could pose risks if not negotiated correctly.
TPP is being negotiated between the US and 11 countries, among them human rights violators. It would give those countries a pass to not raise their standards to have access to US markets, while accelerating the race to the bottom in terms of wages. It would also give corporations more control over our economy.
Fast Track, if approved, would require Congress to vote on the TPP within 90 days of the date the President submits it to Congress, leaving little time to study or change the agreement.
Other Interesting News
Instrument Carry-on Rule for Flights Pleases Musicians
DOT Harmonizes Rules for Musical Instruments on Flights
Musicians Get Approval to Carry on Instruments When Flying
DOT Final Rule on Musical Instruments in the Cabin
DOT Updates Rules for Musical Instruments on Planes
U.S. DoT Issues Final Rule – Air Travel with Musical Instruments
Hey, Rockstars, You Can Now Legally Bring Your Instrument as a Carry On