First Contract Alert! The first-ever collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale was approved on May 19, 2025. This landmark contract secures annual 5% wage increases, improved benefits including sick and bereavement leave, and clear protections around working conditions and scheduling
The Philharmonia Baroque Chorale is now the sole chorus with a defined core and auxiliary roster, ensuring fair hiring and audition processes. The agreement also prioritizes inclusion and workplace respect, with strong anti-discrimination policies and support for gender diversity.
Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this FIRST agreement!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS
Compensation and Benefits
- 5% wage increases for Choristers in each year of the Agreement
- Solo & Solo Cover Compensation
- Four complimentary tickets per set
- Meal Allowance: $25 for each double Artist Service day unless a hot meal is provided
- Flat-rate Reimbursement: $20 per service day for Artists traveling more than 10 miles one-way
- Mileage Reimbursement: Federal rate for mileage above 40 miles
- Carpool Reimbursement: Additional full or half reimbursement depending on trip type
- Parking & Tolls: Fully reimbursed
- Sick Leave: 6 hours paid per season; ability to observe rehearsals masked or virtually
- Bereavement Leave: 5 days unpaid
- Child Leave: In accordance with applicable laws
- Leave of Absence: Option for unpaid leave after six seasons without affecting roster status
Chorus Structure and Use
- Philharmonia Baroque Chorale will be the sole chorus used by PBOC each season
- 24 Core Roster Choristers receive first offers for all work (3-year term)
- At least 24 Auxiliary Roster Choristers receive second offers and July 15 notification
Solo Opportunities
- Employer will make best efforts to engage Choristers as soloists or covers
- Solo auditions open to all program Artists; results shared within 10 days
Auditions and Season Planning
- Season Notice: Schedule released by April 15 or 30 days before first audition
- Audition Results: Provided within 10 days
- Written feedback available upon request
- Core Choristers not continuing may re-audition and receive a 30-minute coaching
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.)
- Respectful and Inclusive Workplace policy
- Anti-Discrimination and Harassment:
- Updated policies and procedures shared at the start of each contract year
- Right to have AGMA reps present during complaints/investigations
- Joint Committee to develop safe reporting alternatives
- Standing IDEA topic on Joint Committee agenda
- Commitment to inclusion of gender-neutral, non-conforming, and non-binary Artists
- Artists may select preferred pronouns
- Employer will coordinate with venues for gender-neutral lavatories and dressing rooms when requested
Safety and Workplace Protections
- National AGMA Smoke & Fog Language
- Temperature and Lighting Protections
- Lactation/Nursing: Private space other than restroom provided
- Hearing Protection: Earplugs available for amplified or loud instruments
- Data Breach Protections
- Media and Tour Protections in line with AFM
Working Conditions and Scheduling
- Pay or Play provisions
- Minimum Call: 3 hours for rehearsal or performance
- Workday cap: 6 hours per day without overtime
- Daytime Call protections
- Breaks and paid time for dressing/undressing
- Sufficient rehearsal time for memorization
- Notes: Artists notified of all corrections and assignments by first rehearsal
Holidays and Religious Observances
- No services on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve/Day, or New Year’s Eve/Day
- Best efforts to avoid services on federal, state, and religious holidays
- Artists may opt out of projects between the Wednesday before Holy Week and Easter Sunday, or on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Union Rights and Security
- Paid AGMA Meeting each season
- AGMA Digital Bulletin Board
- Use of Individual Artist Agreement; contracts sent to AGMA one month before first rehearsal
- Roster sent to AGMA three months before first rehearsal
- Joint Committee
- One non-voting AGMA Artist on the Board of Directors
- Two Artists on Search/Selection Committee for Chorale or Music Director
- AGMA Program Credit