Why join Local 802? Musicians can achieve more pay, benefits, job security and respect with a union than if they try to negotiate separately on their own. Secondly, the union movement empowers all of us to work together for more justice, equality, diversity, inclusiveness and fairness in all of society – it’s a great way to be a part of social change. Thirdly, there are some core benefits in joining Local 802, which you can see below. If you’re not a member of Local 802 yet, you can click here to join right now to get access to the benefits below.

Resource Center

Curated links on information on member benefits and services, as well as entrepreneurship opportunities and social services available to New York musicians.

Health Care

Every time you work a union gig, your employer contributes to the Local 802 Musicians Health Fund on your behalf. If a certain amount of contributions are made on your behalf during a six-month contribution period, you will be eligible for health coverage during the corresponding six-month coverage period.

Pension

Every time you work a union gig, your employer contributes to the American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund on your behalf. The pension fund allows musicians to accumulate individual pension credits throughout their careers and secure a financially sustainable retirement.

Rehearsal Space Rental

Access to rehearsal space rental at Local 802 at reduced rates. To reserve rehearsal space, contact Maureen Cupid-Pierre.

Referral Service

You’re eligible to create a profile on NewYorkMusicians.com, Local 802’s referral service, through which employers can hire you with all of the pay, benefits and protections of a union contract.

Musicians’ Assistance Program

All Local 802 members and their families are eligible for the Musicians Assistance Program, a free and confidential program administered and professionally staffed by the Actors Fund. The program’s services include counseling, referrals, and resources for anything ranging from personal, family, and work issues and substance abuse to childcare, elder care, financial assistance, legal services, and work/life seminars on topics like financial management and healthcare.

Emergency Relief Fund

After two years of union membership, all active Local 802 members are eligible for assistance from the Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund if they’re experiencing extreme financial hardship. The ERF can connect you to appropriate services through MAP or help you pay off an expense, such as gas, electric, or telephone cut-off, eviction, medical debts, costs incurred due to the theft of instruments, auto repairs, etc.

Union Organizers and Business Representatives

Assistance to resolve issues at your workplace, win and enforce union contracts. Start here.

Actors Federal Credit Union

You’re eligible to join the Actors Federal Credit Union as an 802 member. An AFCU branch is located on the 4th floor of Local 802. AFCU is owned and run by its members, meaning any net income earned is returned to members in the form of dividends on deposits or discounted loan pricing, including affordable instrument loans.

Instrument Insurance

There are a number of insurance policies Local 802 members can access through the AFM. The instrument insurance policy allows coverage for your equipment for theft or when it’s off premises or in transit. Learn more about the plan.

Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians

The Memorial Fund is a charitable trust fund that provides financial aid to disabled AFM members on an emergency basis. To learn more about the Memorial Fund and how to apply for aid, log into your MyAFM account, which all AFM members are eligible to create.

Anne Walker Scholarship Fund

Each year, Anne Walker Scholarships are awarded to members of Local 802 and their children who are pursuing the study of music at an institution of higher learning. The deadline to apply each year is typically in early May.

Music Performance Trust Fund

Funding is available for musical performances meeting certain guidelines set by the Recording Industries Music Performance Fund. A co-sponsor is required. Contact MPTF administrator Marisa Friedman for more information.

Free Legal Advice

Start here.

AFM’s Union Plus Program

As a current or retired union member, you are automatically eligible for AFM’s Union Plus Benefits. Create a free account and find out what discounts and benefits you’re eligible for.

Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts

A health center conveniently located in Times Square for NYC’s entertainment community, so you can make appointments before or after gigs! The Health Center is a program of The Actors Fund and Mount Sinai Doctors, offering primary and specialty care.

Allegro

All Local 802 members receive our monthly digital newsletter of news and articles important to the music industry and our union, including audition announcements!