Benefits

Local and Federation sponsored booking/referral services:

The UCMA assists potential live music purchasers in the (Stormont, Dundas and Grenville Counties and all of Leeds County except for Grananoque, and that portion of Lanark County south of or below the 45th degree of latitude) area 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/CFM 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.

Signatory Booking Agents:

The AFM/CFM maintains an on-line list of franchised booking agents for the US and Canada. It is also available in booklet form by contacting UCMA or the AFM/CFM. These agents are signatories to the AFM’s Booking Agent Agreement which sets standards for legally enforceable contracts specifying negotiated fees, working conditions, and commissions.

Exclusive Member Services:

Immigration Assistance:

The AFM/CFM 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, The UCMA and/or the AFM/CFM will work to resolve the dispute between the parties administratively. Should this prove unsuccessful, The UCMA will pay members scale wages for the engagement and the UCMA and/or 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 18% of wages paid on their behalf. Please contact the office 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/CFM contract offers you protection for individual engagements, steady engagements, and traveling work. The AFM/CFM has a standard form contract that all members are entitled to use. It contains the AFM/CFM seal and when properly filled out and filed with a Local, it allows the local officer to help collect payments in the case of a default. Forms are available for download from the AFM/CFM‘s website, or at our office.

Legislative Representation:

The AFM/CFM is actively involved at the national, provincial 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/CFM. Published monthly and sent to all members, this informative newspaper delivers articles of current interest to professional musicians, such as educational resources, labour 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/CFM website. Members may also search online through past issues in the International Musician archives.

Equipment Insurance:

Only you know the value of your instruments and equipment. Just think of the amount of money it would take to replace them. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance is not enough to protect you from loss, theft, or damage on location. The AFM/CFM provides access to an “All-Risk” Musical Instrument and Equipment Insurance Plan. Your instruments and music-related equipment are protected from vandalism, breakage, water, fire, lightning, and theft up to the full replacement value. If you are employed full-time, freelance, work out of your home, or are self-employed, this insurance protects the large investment you’ve made in your equipment.

A Collective Voice:

It is only through the combined efforts of members that the UCMA and the AFM/CFM 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.