AGMA’s new two-year agreement with San Francisco Opera was approved by AGMA members and ratified by AGMA’s Board of Governors on August 25, 2025. Check out the joint release here.
This agreement delivers meaningful pay raises, stronger work-life protections, and new benefits for the diverse AGMA working groups at the Opera.
Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this agreement.
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
CHORUS
- Pay raises: 3.25–3.5% in Year 1; 3.1–3.25% in Year 2
- Better evaluations: A new joint committee procedure will create a fairer process
- Extra work opportunities: At least 16 Extra Chorus contracts guaranteed (two per voice part, twice per contract term)
- Improved schedules:
- No rehearsal after any matinee performance
- Shorter rehearsal hours on performance days
- Stronger voice in leadership: Chorus members will now help choose future Chorus Directors
- More sick leave: Extra Choristers receive additional days
PRINCIPALS
- Pay raises: 1% in Year 1; 3% in Year 2
- Adler Fellows win equity: Full pay when performing leading roles in the Opera House—no more freebies hidden in stipends
- Better work-life balance:
- Tighter span of day and stronger free day protections
- Higher per diems with clearer breakdowns
- Advanced schedule overviews provided
- Payments up front:
- Eligible for per diem? You can receive it up to two weeks before rehearsals
- Not eligible? You can get 25% of performance fees up to two weeks early
- Overtime pay, for real: No more loopholes—Principals now receive full overtime compensation
- More health security: Extra sick leave for weekly soloists
DANCERS
- Pay raises: 6–7.5% in Year 1; 3% in Year 2
- Vacation time: Senior dancers with tenure who work 10+ weeks per season gain a week of vacation pay
- More flexibility: Improved class scheduling options
- Fairer auditions: Stronger and clearer audition procedures
PRODUCTION STAFF
- Pay raises: 3% each year for Stage Managers, Assistant Directors, and the Dance Director
- Assistant Stage Managers: A 7.2% raise to bring pay in line
- Overtime improvements:
- Weekly threshold lowered from 60 to 54 hours
- Daily threshold lowered from 10 to 9 hours
- OT rate boosted (now calculated at 1/54 of weekly rate, up from 1/72)
- Seniority pay: Increased for longtime staff
GENERAL WINS
- Intimacy Directors required
- Custom earplug reimbursement for Choristers and Adler Fellows
- Increased housing and transportation stipends (now includes rideshare, taxi, and public transit)
- AGMA leadership is now guaranteed a seat in big-picture Opera planning and strategy