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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Home » Recent News » Uber and Lyft Drivers Protest Ahead of IPO


Uber and Lyft Drivers Protest Ahead of IPO

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Uber and Lyft drivers in more than a dozen cities around the world are participating in an international day of protest, calling for better wages and working conditions days ahead of Uber’s estimated $91 billion IPO. Spearheaded by Rideshare Drivers United, a Los Angeles-based association of drivers, many are calling on passengers to temporarily boycott the ride services by turning off the apps.  

Cofounder and former CEO Travis Kalanick’s stake may be worth as much as $5.9 billion. But the IPO will not be life-changing for most drivers, who Uber insists are independent contractors, not employees.

From Melbourne, Australia, to New York City, drivers and supporters rallied to protest the business model that many say exploits workers. The fact that drivers in different cities were able to gather and protest on the same day, creating headlines around the world, appeared to be major feat of the organizing capacity of drivers. It’s one of the largest coordinated protests by gig economy workers in recent history.

According to Chicago driver Lenny Sanch, who helped organize a rally outside City Hall, “The day of action was already a success prior to it starting. We caused an organic rising in a short amount of time.”







NEWS