Benefits
Below is a list of just some of the benefits and perquisites (“perks”) available to member of the AFM and Local 198-457.
Click on each numbered line to read a detailed description of the benefit.
- Immigration Assistance
- Claims on default
- Pension Fund
- Negotiated Agreements
- Legal Contracts
- Legislative Representation
- International Musician Free Subscription
- Local Membership Directory
- Local Newsletter Free subscription
- Insurance
- Musical Equipment Discounts
- Cell Phone Service Discount
- Union Plus
- A Collective Voice
- Local and Federation sponsored booking/referral services:
- Local 198-457 assists potential live music purchasers in Rhode Island and surrounding areas to find the right artist or group for their party, wedding, festival, corporate function or any other event that requires live music. In addition, the AFM provides an international on-line referral service (free of charge to all members and potential purchasers) that is quickly becoming one of the largest Internet resources of its kind.
- Immigration Assistance:
- The AFM is an international union representing professional musicians in both the United States and Canada. On behalf of its members who accept gigs across the border, the Federation works with the governments of both countries to cut through the hassle of “red tape” usually associated with obtaining work visas in either location. This assistance is available for both US and Canadian musicians. There are specialized Canadian and US forms, both formats conform to the laws of the individual countries, are easy to complete, and provide comprehensive legal protection for either single engagement or touring dates.
- Claims on Default:
- In the event a purchaser defaults on payment to members for a contracted engagement, Local 198-457 and/or the AFM will work to resolve the dispute between the parties administratively. Should this prove unsuccessful, Local 198-457 and/or the Federation will pursue the claim through a variety of legal methods.
- Pension Fund:
- Members have the option of having the employer make contributions to the Pension Fund of up to 11.99 % of wages paid on their behalf. Please visit the Fund’s website or contact their office (800-833-8065, option 1) for more information.
- Negotiated Agreements:
- International, national and local agreements covering all types of musical work ensure fair and timely payments as well as benefits and royalties (where applicable) for the reuse and new use of music recorded under these agreements.
- Legal Contracts:
- A signed AFM contract offers you protection for individual engagements, steady engagements, and traveling work. The AFM has a standard form contract that all members are entitled to use. It contains the AFM seal and when properly filled out and filed with the Local, it allows the local officer to help collect payments in the case of a default. Forms are available for download from the AFM’s and this website, or at the Local 198-457 office.
- Legislative Representation:
- The AFM is actively involved at the national, state and local levels, advocating and lobbying for legislation that benefits the lives of working musicians including public funding for the arts.
- International Musician Free Subscription:
- The International Musician is the official journal of the AFM. Published monthly and sent to all members, this informative newspaper delivers articles of current interest to professional musicians, such as educational resources, labor news, as well as audition notices and help wanted ads. The International Musician is also available online, beginning the first of each month, in the private members area of the AFM website. Members may also search online through past issues in the International Musician archives.
- Local Membership Directory:
- The Local Membership Directory is one of the most important tools in the musician’s tool kit. As a member of Local 198-457, your name is automatically listed in the Membership Directory, both alphabetically AND BY THE INSTRUMENT YOU PLAY. Thus, a band leader looking for someone who plays YOUR INSTRUMENT, will see YOUR NAME listed along with those of other members who play the same instrument. The Directory is a great NETWORKING TOOL if you are trying to make contacts among musicians, to locate other musicians or, in general, to boost your working opportunities. The Membership Directory is produced annually in print and is posted and updated continuously on the Local 198-457 web site.
- Local Newsletter Free Subscription:
- The Local 198-457 newsletter, Fanfare, provides news and information about the local music scene, as well as updates to membership status and changes, opportunities, and other matters that concern and/or benefit our members.
- Insurance:
- As a professional musician, you depend upon your instruments and equipment. Just think of the exorbitant costs of replacing equipment if it is lost or damaged. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance is not enough to protect from loss, theft or damage on location. Thus, the AFM provides access to the All-Risk Musician Instrument and Equipment Insurance Plan. Your instruments and music-related equipment are protected from vandalism, breakage, water, fire, lightening and theft up to the full replacement value.
- AFM members are protected if they are injured during a performance by signing up for the Musician’s Liability Insurance. This policy provides up to $1 million for each occurrence and up to $2 million of aggregate coverage for lawsuits arising out of bodily injury and/or damage to property for others, occurring on or off premises during your performance.
- The AFM also offers a number of other low-cost insurance options including:
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- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Cancer care protection
- Catastrophic major medical
- Disability income plan
- Group term life
- Hospital indemnity plan
- Major medical insurance plans
- Short term medical insurance
- Musical Equipment Discounts:
- The AFM has a negotiated discount for its members with a national retailer of professional musical instruments and equipment.
- Cell Phone Service Discount:
- The AFM has a negotiated discount for its members on cell phone service with a nationwide North American cell phone service provider.
- UNION PLUS:
- Union Plus is a non-profit and it is the ONLY consumer benefits organization created and endorsed by the AFL-CIO.
- At Union Plus, the mission is to improve the quality of life for union members and their families, provide valuable benefits and services that strengthen the ties of union members to their unions and contribute funding to the labor movement.
- Union Plus believes that our country’s middle class was built by union-strong members like you, so we diligently research every benefit and tailor them to support you and other union members — we’re working hard, to make life a little easier for you.
- How Union Plus Works — Solidarity, Savings and Support
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- Stand in Solidarity
- Did you know that there are more than 12 million union members in the United States? Because of our strength in numbers, we’re able to negotiate exclusive discounts and financial assistance programs just for union members and their families.
- Savings and Unique Programs — Pay it Forward
- We pass along the exclusive benefits we’ve negotiated on behalf of union members directly to you. These benefits and programs are FREE to union members and their families. There’s no membership — if you are a current or retired union member or a family member — you’re in.
- Supporting Union Workers and Union-Made Products
- We’re union and we stand by union. We’re committed to supporting U.S.-based and union workers, right down to using union printers and union-made products in our offices and our staff are members of OPEIU, Local 2. We’ve negotiated with some of the biggest names and brands to get you the discounts you deserve and the benefits working union members need — such as hardship help, strike grants and disability benefits. We’ve got your back!
- Stand in Solidarity
- If You’re Union — You’re Eligible
- As current and retired union members, you are automatically eligible for Local 198-457‘s Union Plus Benefits — often times, your parents, spouse and children are also eligible. No Union Plus membership, No Fees, No Waiting Period, No Hassle.
- A Collective Voice:
- It is only through the combined efforts of members that Local 198-457 and the AFM are able to better the position of musicians in our society. As a collective unit, we not only have a strong voice in collective bargaining and government lobbying, but anywhere that musicians work. As a member, you will have a voice in deciding our collective future.
(Click the button to join on-line at AFM.org.)