The new four-year collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Philadelphia Symphonic Choir was approved by AGMA leadership on September 14, after being ratified by the shop. Congratulations and thank you to the negotiating committee for all their work on this agreement!
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Economics
- Wages:
- Rehearsal fees increase by 14.3% over four years
- Performance fees increase by 17.6% over four years
- GAINS: Looking back at the previous call rate from 2+ years ago, rehearsal fees will have increased 50% and performance fees 150% over six years of the Artists’ union contract
- Ensemble Soloist/Cover fee now matches the rehearsal fee, with annual increases
- Memorization work must be completed within rehearsal time or compensated at a fee mutually agreed upon with AGMA
Artist Support, Health, & Accessibility
- Supports addressing accessibility accommodations and other needs
- Audio tracks provided for new or infrequently performed works
- Established provisions regarding hearing protection
- Established provisions supporting vocal health
Auditions, Call-List, Scheduling, Contracts
- Updated audition process, including:
- Voice-part appropriate excerpts for sight-reading
- Communication of audition criteria
- Timely notification of Artists’ status within the Call-List (Tier 1, Tier 2, or Sub List)
- Updated timeline for audition-related communications
- Updated availability survey timeline
- Contract offers must be made no later than 3 months before the first rehearsal
- AGMA must be notified when contract offers have been made
- Artists have 7 days to accept or decline contract offers
- Updated Free Day provisions