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.
December 1, 2014
IM -A leaked internal Walmart memo urged store managers to improve lagging sales over the past 18 months by keeping shelves stocked, among other tips. However, the memo also ignores two of the more obvious solutions to the chain’s woes: giving workers adequate hours and paying them a living wage of $15 per hour.
“Understaffing, from the sales floor to the front end, has greatly affected the store,” says Janet Sparks, a member of the OUR Walmart campaign seeking to improve wages and working conditions. Substantial staffing cuts have taken place since the start of 2010 with hours cut so thin they are unable to complete the necessary work.