Membership has its Benefits...

"...everybody's a musician," says Francis. "The woman who cuts my hair is in a young punk band. She said to me, 'None of us even thought of joining the union.' I said, 'Well, have you been stiffed lately?' She said, 'Well yeah, the club up the street stiffed us two weeks ago.' I explained to her that's why there's strength in numbers. I said, 'If you were in the union and you had a contract, you could've called the union; they'd go after them.' She was shocked. They didn't realize that service was available to them."
"I tell people that the musicians' union gives us a bottom line defense," says Benson. "When you're out on a limb, you don't have many people to call on, but the union is the one force--if we are unified--that can help in A) collective bargaining, B) governmental issues, and C) just simple protection of working musicians." Michael Francis and Ray Benson, Asleep At The Wheel. Reprinted from International Musician, March 2000.

• Professional career advice and assistance from Electronic Media, Symphonic, and Casual Departments
• Music Performance Trust Fund: Union co-sponsored gigs
• Insurance Plans: Health, Dental,  Vision, Liability, Instrument

• AFM Pension Fund: a multi-employer plan with an amazing return
• Legal Service: free consultations and discounted services
• Locally set minimum wages and conditions
• Free contracts for all types of engagements
• Contract Enforcement: filed a contract and been stiffed on a gig?  We take care of it!
• On a Broadway Tour? Nationally negotiated contracts
• Collective Bargaining Agreements: experienced negotiators and united musicians making their voices heard
• 1-800-ROADGIG: Stiffed or stranded on a tour?  Call a toll-free number for cash advances, legal assistance, on-site support
• "Royalties without a Hit": receive yearly checks based on total Recording Industry sales
• Your recording reused or sampled in a movie or other new use??  Internationally monitored protection and pursued collection for your multimedia material
• Access to AFM online community-forums, contracts, phone numbers, signatory search
• Licensed Booking Agents and Referral Program with free web page
• Audition Ads: research Local, National, and International gigs
• Disability and Death Benefits
• Discount Credit Card, Personal Loan, and Mortgage Programs
• Credit Union membership
• Roadside Assistance and Trip Planning Program
• Rental car and Hotel discounts
• Professional Discounts: Formal Wear, Recording Studios, Music Stores
• Disney Theme Park and Cruise Line discounts
• AFM Marketplace: discounts at over 80 online retailers
• Subscriptions to International Musician  and South Florida Musician