The new one-year agreement with Oregon Ballet Theatre was approved by AGMA members and ratified by AGMA’s Board of Governors on July 28, 2025.
This contract reflects a collaborative and forward-looking bargaining process that delivered important wins for dancers and stage managers, including improvements to scheduling, rehearsal protocols, break protections, and recognition for all artists. While financial challenges shaped some outcomes, the agreement still secured a wage increase for apprentices and meaningful language gains across the board.
Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this agreement!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS
Support for Early-Career Artists
- 5% Wage Increase for Apprentices – Recognizing and investing in the next generation of dancers.
Improved Working Conditions
- Clarified Break Policies – Stronger language around 5-minute breaks and codified 15-minute breaks after class, promoting dancer health and recovery.
- New Rehearsal Protocols – Dress rehearsal durations now allow more time for dancers to receive and process notes.
- Advanced Casting Notices – Casting will now be posted earlier, giving artists more time to prepare and plan.
- Thanksgiving Scheduling Collaboration – New process for scheduling free days around Thanksgiving through mutual input.
Stage Managers
- Consecutive Work Day Limits – Reduced consecutive workday requirements for stage managers, promoting rest and sustainability.
- Meal Break Protections – Increased penalties for missed stage manager meal breaks during tech/performance weeks.
- Clarified Rehearsal Presence – New guidelines clarify when stage managers are required in rehearsal, supporting more efficient workflows.
Artistic Integrity and Recognition
- Performance Credits for All Artists – All artists, including production staff, will now be formally listed for each performance, with distribution to the audience.
- Archival Footage Improvements – Commitment to improving the playback quality of archival footage, supporting artist development and documentation.
Safety and DEI
- Intimacy Training Commitment – Joint Committee will work together to identify mutually agreeable intimacy training to be delivered during the first four weeks of the 2025–2026 rehearsal period.
- New DEI Training Timeline – Ensures all dancers receive training within 3 months of first rehearsal, supporting inclusive company culture from the start.
Collaborative Bargaining Outcomes
- Comprehensive Contract Language Improvements – Across-the-board clarifications and enhancements, thanks to a productive and collaborative negotiation process with the employer.