Welcome to our virtual union hall
We are American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 1000, the Traveling Musicians Union. We are specially chartered to represent acoustic musicians who perform most of their gigs away from the AFM jurisdiction where they live.
Unlike a traditional geographical local, we draw members from all over the U.S. and Canada, and we represent our members wherever they work. Sometimes we’re called the unlocal.
Local 1000 was started in 1993 by a small group of folk musicians who believed in the power of collective action. They and their peers had the privilege of traveling throughout North America doing the work they loved; but the price they paid was isolation and constant risk — risk of illness, of instrument theft, of employers backing out on contracts, and especially risk of poverty, if age or disability stopped them from working.
Now we work together to make things better for all traveling folk, bluegrass, blues and acoustic musicians. Our members also include performance poets and sign language interpreters.
We perform under union contracts, with union power to back them up. Our instruments, computers and equipment are insured for replacement value, at rates we can afford.
Most importantly, we are secure in knowing that we will one day be able to retire with generous, reliable pension benefits. In fact, our first member began collecting her pension in 2005.
If you are a traveling acoustic musician we hope you’ll consider joining us. You’ll find that many of your friends are members already. You’ll have us along with you on the road, and we’ll be stronger with your support.
If you have questions that are not answered on this site, or if you simply want to talk to us, please contact us.
Mission Statement
Local 1000 exists to unite and organize professional touring musicians to create a strong network, provide access to benefits, and increase our impact in the world.
As a member of Local 1000, you belong to a network of like-minded musicians who do most of their work outside of their immediate geographic location. We are traveling musicians, uniting to improve the welfare of all.
As a member of Local 1000, you have access to important benefits through the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM), including a pension fund, instrument/equipment insurance, health insurance (US), P2 Visas (CA), and contract administration/enforcement. You also have access to benefits specific to Local 1000, including our Emergency Relief Fund, minimum scale wages, and the fellowship and wisdom of seasoned touring musicians.
As a member of Local 1000, you are part of a collective that believes in the power of music to impact individuals, communities, and the world. We work with other musicians’ locals to create positive working conditions and fair wages that benefit all musicians. We collaborate with other workers’ organizations, labor, and social justice movements to make the world a fairer and better place, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.