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.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM



Home » Recent News » United Teachers Los Angeles Voted to Increase Dues


United Teachers Los Angeles Voted to Increase Dues

  -  

The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) voted by more than 4 to 1 to increase their dues by about one-third, $1,000 a year.

“As billionaires are trying to cripple unions, our vote sends a national signal that educators are willing to invest more in our unions and in the fight for educational justice,” UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl told the Los Angeles Times. UTLA maintained it needed the funds to counter anti-union lawsuits and a plan to transfer half the city’s public-school students into charter schools over the next eight years. In addition, the union will be able to retain the organizing director, researcher, community outreach specialist, and field organizers.

With these resources, the union was able to win a favorable contract settlement, including a 10% raise, says Caputo-Pearl. UTLA is about to enter negotiations with the LA Unified School District over class sizes and school staffing levels for nurses and counselors. Most of the union’s 32,000 members are teachers, but UTLA also represents school nurses, counselors, and psychologists. The turnout, just over 50%, was high for a UTLA vote and may reflect the increasing number of ballots cast online. For the first time, the vote gives the union authority to pass on costs to members when affiliated unions, like the National Education Association, raise fees and charge UTLA.







NEWS