The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Pittsburgh Opera was ratified by AGMA leadership on June 23, 2025, after being approved by the shop.
This strong new agreement delivers real progress on wages, working conditions, and equity. Over the life of the contract, Principals and staging staff will see raises totaling over 23%, while Choristers and Dancers will receive steady annual increases totaling over 15.5%, along with a 10% boost to all other fees. Resident Artists now have clearer pathways to fair compensation when covering roles, and staging staff benefit from improved overtime protections. The agreement also expands access and inclusion with thoughtful costume and makeup provisions that respect Artists’ identities, and ensures access to all-gender bathrooms and dressing rooms. These wins reflect AGMA’s ongoing commitment to dignity, transparency, and fairness for all Artists at Pittsburgh Opera.
Let’s celebrate some gains! Thank you to the negotiating committee, and congratulations on this five-year agreement.
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Compensation
- Principals and staging staff will receive wage increases of 6%, 5%, 4%, 4%, and 4% over the five-year contract
- Choristers and Dancers will receive increases of 2.5%, 3%, 3%, 3%, and 4%
- All other contract fees will increase by approximately 10%
Working Conditions / Work Rules
- Weekly overtime for staging staff now kicks in after 52 hours (previously 54)
- A clearer process for Resident Artists to be assigned as Covers and paid accordingly
- Resident Artists who rehearse in place of Principals will be paid at the Principal hourly rehearsal rate
- Choristers now receive discounted tickets for all Pittsburgh Opera performances at the Benedum Center and Byham Theatre
- Break time is protected—notes may not be given during breaks
Anti-Discrimination / Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
- Costumes, wigs, hair coloring, shoes, tights, and body makeup must be provided with cultural awareness of skin tone and hair type
- Makeup may not be used to alter an Artist’s ethnicity
- All-gender bathrooms and single-occupancy dressing rooms will be made available
Health and Safety
- New protections ensure makeup and bathroom facilities must be clean and maintained
- Employer must make best efforts to maintain an appropriate room temperature
General Updates
- Artists can now receive direct deposit, and Choristers’ contracts must clearly state their performance and hourly rehearsal pay rates
- The Employer must invite a member of the Board of Directors to meet with Artists once per year
- Artists will now have a voice in the hiring of senior leadership at Pittsburgh Opera
- New data breach protections were added to safeguard Artists’ personal information
- The Employer must now consult with the Union and negotiate over the use and impact of artificial intelligence, including any effect on Artist compensation