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 1, 2019
IM -About 50 members of the American Postal Workers Union and National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) gathered in front of Canada’s Washington, DC, embassy to protest the Trudeau government’s decision to force the Canadian workers back to work. A dispute over wages, benefits, and job security for the Canada Post workers culminated with a series of temporary rotating walkouts that began in October and continued into the busy holiday season. Ottawa passed legislation in November that required workers to resume their duties and appointed a mediator to arbitrate an end to the dispute.
“The collective bargaining process is a foundation of every union,” says NALC Executive Vice President Brian Renfroe. “We’re fighting for our collective bargaining rights here that are under attack; they’re doing the same thing. I think all they want is a fair process, and we’re here to stick with them in solidarity.”