It is only through combined effort that we can improve the position of musicians in our society. As a collective unit we have a stronger voice in collective bargaining, government lobbying, and anywhere that musicians work. As a member of CFM Local 247, you have a voice in deciding our collective future!
All employment in the CFM is covered by some form of contract. We have a general contract, as well as collective bargaining agreements with various organizations, plus recording agreements, and more.Most of the Local’s services depend on a signed contract between purchaser and musician. In the event of a contract default, the Local will endeavour to collect on behalf of the musician.
We have a group insurance plan that provides worldwide, comprehensive coverage for musical equipment at rates below commercially available policies. Liability insurance is also available at very competitive rates. Learn more here. Also available is supplementary insurance through AIL Canada, a 100% wall-to-wall unionized insurance company. The benefits include a “no cost” or obligation Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit for each member of Local 247.
As part of an agreement with the recording industry, money from the sale of recordings goes into this fund to co-sponsor free live public concerts in parks, squares, schools, and senior care centres.
In addition to legal protection, a CFM contract provides for employer pension contributions. The Canadian Federation of Musicians participates in a private pension plan called the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada. With a filed contract, a percentage of scale wages is contributed by the employer/purchaser to your pension. The Canadian Musicians' Pension Fund performs very favourably compared to self-directed RRSPs. Learn more here.
There are several types of Permits which may be needed to perform in the USA. The most common are P2 permits for paid performances, and the B1 visa for a showcase. CFM members with signed contracts for paid work in the United States can apply through their Local for P2 temporary work permits. Find out more here.
Our Members List, Bylaws and Tariff of Fees, lists such things as minimum fees for engagements, guidelines for contractors (members responsible for hiring groups of musicians), and rules of conduct for working musicians. Musicians in the Local are expected to use the Local’s guidelines when negotiating with purchasers of musical services.
With CFM contracts in place, you are protected on the road anywhere in Canada or the United States. If you have an engagement that takes you away from home, and the purchaser cancels without due notice, fails to pay you your contracted amount, or in any way fails to fulfil the terms of your contract, help is a phone call away.
Local 247 connects purchasers with our musicians. Prospective purchasers can contact us and/or use our Find Musicians link.
This fund is created by contributions from film and record producers. Every year the fund is divided among members who have played in these recording sessions, according to the number of sessions worked. The greater the number of sessions, the more money received—as long as contracts were in place.