AGMA and Dance Theatre of Harlem recently announced the ratification of the first Collective Bargaining Agreement in decades. Ratified by the Company Artists of Dance Theatre of Harlem and subsequently approved by Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Board of Directors on December 11 and AGMA’s Board of Governors on December 15, this new agreement reflects a shared commitment to artistic excellence, equity, sustainability, and the long-term well-being of the Company Artists.
The agreement includes key updates, including a new compensation structure resulting in average wage increases of 29%. The agreement also establishes clear standards around scheduling and rest, strengthens health and safety protections, and provides meaningful improvements to touring conditions—reflecting a holistic approach to artists’ sustainability and wellness.
Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this agreement!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Wages and Compensation
- New compensation scale with minimum rank increases resulting in average wage increases of 29% effective July 1, 2026
- $20/wk seniority pay for each year over six
- These increases compound the 8% wage increase implemented July 1, 2025
- Increases of 3% on July 1, 2027 and July 1, 2028
- 401(k) match of 3% or whatever is offered to non-union employees, whichever is greater
- Health insurance, Dental insurance, and Vision paid for
- Delegate pay of $45/week for up to two AGMA delegates
- Parental leave:
- Full pay up to birth, 12 weeks of PFL top-up for birthing parents
- Non-birthing parents: option to use sick days prior to or as top-up for state PFL
Job Security
- CBA covers Company Dancers and Supplemental Dancers
- Guarantee of 18 Company Dancers
- Guarantee of 30 weeks per season
- New Artistic Evaluation process and a requirement of evaluations and contract meetings each year
- Guarantee of reengagement if Artistic Director changes after the start of the season
- No-Strike clause that explicitly protects right to honor a picket line
Work Rules
- 32.5 hour work week, including class
- Maximum five hours of rehearsal/day, 25 hours per week
- Standard rehearsal end time of 5:45
- 12 hour turnaround
- Limitation of Artist Activity on performance and travel days
- Maximum of six triple bills per season
- Overtime rate of $50/hr, going up to $53/hr in 2028
- Artist approval of photos
Health and Safety
- Commitment to sprung floors for rehearsal and performance
- Eight hours of Athletic Trainer services per rehearsal week
- Intimacy Director language
- Clear parameters for conversations about Artists’ health and weight
Touring
- Per diems to increase to GSA or US State Department rate for destination city effective July 1, 2026 (effective 47% increase for standard touring cities)
- Two checked bags on longer tours
- Limits on travel time; overtime for travel after midnight or before 8am
- Free day after travel of three time zones or more
- One week of single rooms per four weeks of touring
Anti-Discrimination and I.D.E.A.
- Respectful/harmonious workplace language
- Comprehensive anti-discrimination language
- Annual training
- Commitment to collaborative anti-racism work in Joint Committee
- Commitment to respect for nonbinary and gender non-conforming Artists