A drive is on to encourage more musicians and artists to join the Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Artists so they can enjoy group benefits and have a stronger voice in the event of any disputes regarding their employment and contracts.

The federation started in the 1960s and currently has between 75 and 150 members.

President Miles Manders said he was encouraged by the turnout at the special general meeting held last Sunday at The Leopard's Club.

He said: "Our membership has dwindled and there are certain ineffective policies that we are changing. We are looking at raising the membership.

"There are people out there who are not represented and do not have a union to acknowledge them when a problem comes up."

He added: "We are implementing group insurance plans and health plans and offering business workshops and performance workshops."