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Restructuring
the AFM...........Why should I care?
Paul
Sharpe - President AFM Local 279 (Used by permission)
Restructuring the AFM has been the most widely debated subject
in our Federation for the last year and a half. The celebration
last year of the proud 100 year history and great accomplishments
to date by the AFM provided a timely opportunity for reflection.
It caused many to ask the question: "Is our current structure
the best one to deliver the required services to our membership
and those of a rapidly changing music business?" This issue is
sure to be the focus of the AFM Convention in June of this year.
I think it's fair to say that most Local 279 members I have spoken
to about the subject agree that some amount of restructuring is
required. I personally believe that constant evaluation and positive
change is absolutely necessary for the continued existence of
the Federation itself. That statement may cause you to be concerned;
and so it should, but please keep in mind that the AFM has faced
many difficult problems in the past and has always emerged intact.
The AFM again faces many tough challenges that require solutions
in the near future. I want you to be concerned! Even more importantly,
I want you to be a part of those solutions. Every change in policy
whether at the International, Canadian or Local level, has the
potential of impacting directly on your musical life in some form.
The following are some of the problems that require your input
if we are to collectively find solutions to them. In many cases,
the problems are directly related to each other and compound the
seriousness of finding solutions.
- Current
revenue levels do not adequately cover the cost of delivering
many new programs and services already available.
- Overall
membership in the AFM continues to decline.
- The
AFM no longer represents a majority of musicians.
- Recruitment
efforts have not yielded sufficient numbers to match the decline.
- The
average age of AFM membership is quite high.
- The
presence of a new generation of leadership is lacking.
- There
is a decline in employment opportunities for many AFM members.
- Many
locals have disappeared despite the continued sincere efforts
of dedicated Officers.
- Many
well intending local Officers lack the skills and training required
to properly negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements.
- The
membership's right to the delivery of basic AFM services and
benefits is greatly dependent upon the ability of the local
to provide them.
AFM President Steve Young recently appointed a "Restructure Committee"
that is made up of Local Officers, Player Conference representatives
and rank and file members. This group will continue to meet with
a mandate to formulate recommendations that could provide the
basis for long term planning.
Many viewpoints exist and much has been written about what to
do. Some feel that the current structure already provides the
opportunity for the necessary adjustments. Others feel that the
current structure is not capable of achieving stability and growth
for the future. The January 97 issue of the International Musician
features the views of the individual members of the International
Executive Officers. I urge all members to take a few moments to
read these articles. It will provide you with a very good overview
of what the future may hold. Although the articles present different
views of what may be right or wrong, one common theme emerges
from all of them. That is the need for all members to get involved
in the process. To date, the response has been less than hoped.
If you have any thoughts and ideas that you feel can contribute
to this process, I urge you to present them to some level of the
AFM as soon as possible. You are encouraged to phone, write, fax,
or e-mail any Local, Canadian or International Officer. You may
also wish to contact a member of the Restructure Committee or
present your views to the editor of the International Musician.
The Local office can provide you with any of the necessary information
you may require.
As always, our Local general membership meetings provide an excellent
opportunity for you to voice your opinions. Please plan to attend
the next meeting on Monday March thirty-first. Secretary Treasurer
Randy Dawdy and myself will be attending both the Canadian Conference
and the AFM Convention in June. As your representatives, it is
imperative that we come to an understanding of the membership's
wishes. See you on the thirty-first!
Paul Sharpe
President.
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