Miami City Ballet management has begun an aggressive, coordinated union-busting campaign against their dancers, the majority of whom are fighting to unionize. Unsurprisingly, the Company’s union-busting campaign includes the usual condescending communications filled with misinformation, and soon, they will hold their first captive audience meeting (more on that VERY soon). Furthermore, MCB management is trying to circumvent the legal process by denying their dancers the right to a union election. Rather than allowing a straightforward National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election, affording the Dancers the opportunity to freely express their choice, management is trying to use the legal system to prevent their dancers from ha... Read More -->

AGMA is happy to share two updates regarding its Professional Staff. The Union has hired Ivy Yan as Counsel and has promoted Business Rep Anna Peabody to Senior Negotiator. Ivy Yan Joins AGMA Staff as Counsel Experienced labor lawyer Ivy Yan (she/her) joined the team as Counsel on April 8. Ivy comes to AGMA from McCracken, Stemerman & Holsberry LLP, where her practice focused on union organizing, comprehensive campaigns, arbitration, and litigation to vindicate employees' rights at work. "We are thrilled to welcome Ivy to AGMA’s Professional Staff,” said Interim National Executive Director Allison Beck. “With her extensive background in labor and employment law, Ivy brings a wealth of knowledge and experie... Read More -->

AGMA is issuing an update to our recommendations following the CDC's release of updated guidance regarding respiratory viruses. COVID-19 continues to be a significant public health concern. It's crucial to understand that the CDC's update doesn't signify the eradication of COVID-19 or imply that it no longer poses risks, particularly to specific populations and industries. As always, AGMA's goal is the safety, health, and success of our artists and companies. We thank our members and companies for their patience and collaboration as we continue to maintain health and safety in our workplaces. ... Read More -->

In 2022, AGMA partnered with Savanta to conduct the Union’s first demographic census. On Tuesday, March 26, AGMA’s Choristers, Actors, and Staff Performers Vice President, Helena Brown, along with AGMA’s Director of Communications, Alicia Cook, joined Brittany Grant, another recent client of Savanta, for a DEI Panel hosted by Savanta. “The Second Rise of DE&I” was free to attend and held virtually. Savanta has provided AGMA a recording of the webinar, which members can view on Savanta's website or by logging into MyAGMA and selecting "AGMA Webinars" from the MyAGMA dropdown menu. Savanta moderated the discussion as Helena, Alicia, and Brittany delved into the inherent issues stemming from systemic biases. The... Read More -->

The Dancers of Miami City Ballet (MCB) have taken a significant step forward by signing cards to form a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Since its inception in 1985 by Toby Lerner Ansin and Edward Villella, Miami City Ballet has earned global acclaim for its exceptional rendition of George Balanchine's choreography. Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director, expressed unwavering support for the Dancers, saying, “The Dancers of Miami City Ballet are determined and embracing the journey toward becoming part of the Union. Witnessing their peers nationwide join AGMA has fortified their conviction that the benefits of standing in solidarity and speaking with one voice far outweigh any challenges.... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Seattle Opera was approved by AGMA leadership on March 25, 2024, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS: Increases retroactive to September 1, 2023:​ Year One: 3% to 16.5%​ Year Two: 3% to 4%​ Year Three: 4% to 7%​ NEW payment model for Performing Principal Artists allowing them to receive their compensation weekly rather than after each performance. Parking or reimbursement for mass transit for all Artists Travel time counts as hours worked Decrease in weekly span and increase in over... Read More -->

AGMA will host two public sessions of “An Intro to AGMA,” the Union’s live new-member orientation and informational webinar. Those interested are welcome to join the webinar at 10:00 a.m. ET or 9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 4. Register: 10:00 a.m. ET Register: 9:00 p.m. ET Both webinars will cover the same content, allowing participants to choose the best time for their schedule. The anticipated duration of the webinar is between 30 to 45 minutes. These webinars are open to the PUBLIC. We encourage you to share this link with individuals in your network who may find it interesting. Additionally, we extend a warm invitation to all AGMA members, whether they are new, have yet to attend an in-person ori... Read More -->