AGMA is pleased to report that Portland Opera’s new collective bargaining agreement was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop.
There have been multiple additions and improvements to the contract language, particularly when it comes to compensation, Digital Media, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Harassment Prevention.
Thank you to the negotiating committee on this 3-year agreement.
COMPENSATION
- 2021-22: 5% increase to all compensation and fees retroactive to October 1, 2021 for Chorus and Staging Staff
- 2022-23 and 2023-24 contract years: no less than a 3% increase to wages and fees or up to Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) with a cap of 4%
- Upfront payments for Principal Artists
Principal Artist payment breakdown:
- 25% on arrival
- 25% on first performance
- 50% on final performance
PRINCIPAL PER DIEM
Principal per diem will switch to much higher daily per diem as opposed to weekly with confirmation that it will be separate from any fees on each artists’ standard artist agreement and not part of overscale.
CHORUS
- All Choristers engaged will now be compensated the same Regular Chorus Rates (no lower rates for Alternates)
- Elimination of Auxiliary category allowing PO to engage choristers above 48 without putting them on an AGMA contract
INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESS
- New language supporting what we hope to be tangible, substantive, collaborative efforts between PO and AGMA in this regard
- Ensure gender neutrality throughout contract
HARASSMENT PREVENTION
New language meant to support improved training, artist protections, and a safer environment for AGMA artists to report any harassment concerns.
DIGITAL MEDIA
- Streaming - Beginning in 2022-23, upfront performance fees (as an advance towards revenue sharing) for streaming up to 45 days
- Digital Activity as an Artist Activity - The recognition of digital activity, as an Artist Activity that must be scheduled and paid as straight time
- Video Clips access to Featured Artists with the signing of a licensing agreement