AFM BENEFITS & SERVICES
AFM Canadian Cultural Exchange: The AFM will act as your sponsor for engagements in Canada. Forms are available at the Local 6 office and must be completed at least 30 days prior to the performance.
AFM Negotiated Electronic Media Agreements: The AFM negotiates agreements for all electronic media employment which include reuse and new use payments, pension, and health and welfare benefits.
AFM INSURANCE: Provided by Seabury & Smith. Equipment Insurance, Liability Insurance, & much more.
AFM TEMPO Fund: The TEMPO Fund is a political action committee (PAC) that supports the AFM’s friends in Congress through political contributions. The support is made possible by voluntary donations to the fund from AFM members. Contributions cannot be taken from AFM dues paid into the general treasury.
AFM PENSION FUND: Employer paid contributions to the American Federation of Musicians – Employers Pension Fund are a part of most Local 6 contracts. Vesting requires contributions on $3,000 of earned wages in each of 5 consecutive years.
AFM Emergency Traveling Musician Assistance: The AFM offers assistance to traveling members through the AFM Touring Musicians Division. If you have filed the proper union contracts and are then stiffed by a club owner on the road, the AFM can help. Call 1-800-ROADGIG.
Contract Guarantee Fund: The union will pay Local 6 musicians unpaid scale wages for engagements performed in our jurisdiction if a proper contract is filed with the Local prior to the engagement.
AFM Entertainment: The AFM’s online referral service–create a page for your solo act or group.
GoProLessons: Create a page for your teaching services.
GoProHosting: Low cost website hosting for as little as $19 per year.
Union Plus Discounts: As a union member, you and your family are eligible for special money-saving Union Plus benefits. From flowers to travel, wireless service and movie tickets, union members and their families save on products and services they use everyday.
LOCAL 6 BENEFITS & SERVICES
Credit Unions
Sea West Coast Guard Federal Credit Union.
Death Benefit Insurance: All Local 6 members in good standing have $2000 of life insurance through the union’s policy.
Free Legal Consultation: Local 6 retains legal counsel to advise us and intervene when necessary regarding employee/employer matters and the general area of labor law. A free consultation for a non-union matter is also available to members. Requests for all such advice must be made to the Local President or Secretary – Treasurer. For matters regarding entertainment law and copyright law, members should directly consult attorneys who specialize in those fields.
In addition, as an AFM member the following legal benefit is available through Union Plus:
– A free initial consultation with a lawyer of up to 30 minutes (in person or over the phone).
– A free simple document review and explanation.
– A free follow-up letter or phone call, if likely to resolve a legal matter.
– Most additional services are discounted by 30% (including attorney’s hourly rates and flat fees for most common legal cases).
Health & Dental Insurance (self-pay): Through an arrangement with French Cormany Insurance Services, Inc of Irvine, California, Local 6 is able to offer self-pay, group health & dental insurance to its members. The available plans are through Kaiser (HMO), Cigna (both HMO and PPO), and Premier Access Dental (HMO and PPO). All of the plans offer guaranteed acceptance and coverage for pre-existing conditions. This group health plan is not intended for members 65 and older. Members interested in obtaining rates on medigap insurance should contact the local, and we will put them directly in touch with our broker.
Locally Negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreements: Local 6 currently has agreements with more than 40 employers in the Bay Area including the SF Symphony, Opera, Ballet, and major theaters in town. Visit our CBA List
Membership Directory: A directory of all members, including address, phone, e-mail, and instruments played.
Pre-Printed, Legal Contracts: Contracts suitable for all types of engagements are available free of charge. These easy to use contracts contain appropriate language for the resolution of disputes and provide protection for both musicians and purchaser. When properly signed and filed, they are enforced by the union and its attorneys.
Professional Publications: All members receive the AFM International Musician and the Local 6 Musical News. These keep you abreast of union business, job openings, auditions, events, and articles of interest to musicians.
Musicians Showcase: The rehearsal hall is available free of charge for your special show. Contact the office for details.
Local 6 / Patrick Simms Recording Studio: 24-track digital recording, Pro Tools, Large, comfortable live room, Experienced engineer, Complete recording services, Remote recording available, Special low rate for members. (415) 373 – 8874.
Wage Scales: Members participate in the establishment of minimum wage scales and working conditions for all types of musical employment. Union contracts require compliance with these scales and insure that musicians are not exploited.
Workshops/Clinics: Local 6 hosts clinics and music business workshops that are free for members and usually $10 for the general public.