AGMA’s new five-year agreement with Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) was approved by AGMA members and ratified by AGMA’s Board of Governors on April 27, 2026.
This agreement delivers wage increases across the term of the contract, reduced weekly hours, and improved compensation for travel and technology use. It also strengthens housing standards, improves scheduling and rest protections, and adds clearer safety reporting and advance notice requirements for audio and video capture.
Congratulations to all AGMA Staging Staff members at DMMO!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS
ECONOMICS
- Wage Increases:
- PSM/SM: 4%, 3%, 3%, 3%, 3.5%
- ASM: 9%, 5%, 3%, 3%, 4.5%
- Hours/week: 58, 57, 56, 55, 54
- Increases in travel reimbursement when Artists drive their own cars to Des Moines, plus hotel allowances for every 500 miles driven
- $150 technology fee if Production Staff Member is required to use personal computer equipment
- Advance payment of first week’s compensation on the Friday preceding the first day contract period
MORE HIGHLIGHTS
- Clear reporting process for safety concerns.
- Production staff included in training offered to other artists, e.g. intimacy, weapons
- Mid-season review of effectiveness of Employer provided computers and software
- More comprehensive job descriptions in the Definitions section
- All housing now in apartments (rather than dorms)
- At least a single bedroom, full kitchen facilities
- Specific clarification as to when Production Staff must be called for rehearsals and other activities
- Limitation of three session days to two consecutive and three per week
- Prohibition of Production Staff Members “light walking”
- Span between Free Days limited to nine
- Clarification of Break Schedule
- 48 hours’ notice of audio/video captures