AGMA’s new three-year agreement with Washington National Opera was approved by union members and ratified by AGMA’s Board of Governors on October 27, 2025. This contract strengthens protections, raises pay, and improves quality of life for all Artists.
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Economic Gains
- Better pay across the board:
- +3%, +3%, +3% annual wage increases.
- More significant increases to per diem, housing and meal allowance.
- No more reduced per diem.
- Increase in media fees and Production Staff meal break violation penalty.
Health, Well-Being, and Work Life Balance
- Increased health contributions for Principal Artists and Production staff (redirected to AGMA Retirement).
- Extended rest periods for nursing parents.
- Expanded sick leave
- Extraordinary Risk Pay introduced for Artists performing feats with increased risk.
- Improved Change of Appearance clause for a more respectful, interactive process for appearance change requests.
- Two-performance day compensation expanded to include more Principal Artists and Production Staff.
- Shorter stretches of consecutive days before the required day off is given.
Production Staff Improvements
- Reduced weekly hours before overtime: from 58 to 54.
- Dedicated “lighter” day in tech week to allow time for Production Staff to perform their required administrative work.
- Rest periods and meal breaks formally memorialized.
- Higher pay for Look-In performances more proportional to the increased workload.
Ensemble Protections
- No more use of non-professional Choristers or Corps Dancers.
- Better scheduling around Choristers’ regular church jobs and engagements during High Holidays and Holy Week.
Collaboration & Accountability
- AGMA to provide feedback in formal strategic planning process and major leadership searches (General Director, Artistic Director, Music Director, Chorus Master).
- Credits section updated to ensure Artists are properly recognized.
Ongoing commitment to communication and respect between WNO and AGMA Artists.