The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Houston Grand Opera was approved by AGMA leadership on March 31, 2025, after being ratified by the shop.
Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this five-year agreement!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Economic Increases:
- Chorus/Dancer hourly rate will increase 15.5% over the full term of the contract
- All other wages will increase 14 % over the full term of the contract
- Extra rates will increase 12.5% over the full term of the contract
- Meal allowance increases of 27 % in the first year of the agreement
Other Benefits:
Health and Retirement Contributions:
- $1 increases in each year of the agreement for flat-rate contributions per performance for Principals
- Increase from 4% to 4.5% for health/retirement contribution in the third year of the agreement for Choristers and Dancers
Principal Artists
- Increase in upfront payments for Principal Artists
- Upfront payments are now applicable to all Principal Artists, not just those debuting in a role
- All Housing allowances will be made available upfront
Choristers:
- Step-out roles for Choristers who wish to audition for such roles will be made available at the time the advance notification of auditions is shared
- A Chorister who is required to audition shall receive at least four (4) weeks advance notice of the audition and expected audition requirements
- If a current Chorister may not be contracted for the incipient season, that Chorister will now receive notification to that effect before October 1 of the season involved
- HGO will notify Choristers if wigs or hair pieces will be required at least 4 weeks in advance of the dress rehearsal
Assistant Stage Directors:
- HGO will provide a meal or pay a penalty on any 3-session day that Assistant Stage Directors are not provided at least a 1-hour meal break
- 56 hours (down from 60 hours) per week before Overtime kicks in
- 10-hour span of day only allowed once per week
- New 12-hour turnaround rule in all other cases
- Additional Pay when AD works on Family Day performance under a different Director/different staging
All Artists:
- All makeup artists, hairdressers, and costume staff will request consent from the Artist before applying any type of product on the Artist’s skin or hair
- HGO will share any available health and wellness resources with all Artists at the beginning of their contract period
- For services at the Wortham Theater Center, HGO will ensure that there is a refrigerator and microwave accessible to Artists