We are musicians: music teachers, accompanists, bands and orchestras. Our performance is a featured component of the venue or event, but too often we are not paid in a commensurate way. Our work is always listed as a feature for municipal and community activities and these events would be considerably altered without our participation.
It’s time to add your voice to our collective strength!
here are some things you can do:
Know Your Worth – And Your Rights!!
- Know your region’s prevailing wage. A prevailing wage is set by the contracts and wages that are paid to workers in a trade sector.
- Wage scale book is a tool we can use calculate local rates
- Wage page!
- Have a say in how much YOU make.
- “Don’t you want a new guitar?”
- No race to the bottom! –
- Personal anecdotes
- Balance of Power
- A lot of people will be moved by more than just wages
- Collective action can result in many kinds workplace changes, not just monetary and the officer/staff can facilitate creating and maintaining those changes.
Organize a CBA
Talk to your Colleagues
- talk to your employers too. Try to figure out why they are resistant to change.
- The union can help! If you don’t know the person you are trying to talk to very well, we can help set up a chance to learn about their concerns.
Finally.. Contact Your Local – Here’s a link to find the AFM office in your region.