AGMA and Voices of Ascension proudly shared a joint release celebrating a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified by AGMA members and approved by AGMA’s Board of Governors on June 23, 2025.
With 15% wage growth over the life of the contract, new job security through the creation of a Seasonal Chorus List, and strengthened protections around health, safety, and equity, this agreement is a powerful model of what’s possible when labor and management work together in true partnership.
Now, let’s share some more gains! Thank you to the negotiating committee, and congratulations on this three-year agreement.
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
Compensation and Financial Improvements
- All Artists will receive annual pay increases of 5%, 5%, and 5% over the three-year contract
- Recording session rates will grow at the same rate as general compensation
- Flat recording fees will increase by a total of 15% over the life of the contract
- Rates in the 2022 side letter on subcontracted work will be adjusted to stay competitive, with increases of 5% in 2026–2027 and 2027–2028
Seasonal Chorus List and Auditions
- A new Seasonal Chorus List will include about 32 Artists
- Artists on the list are guaranteed at least two offers per season for qualifying productions
- Productions must meet a minimum rehearsal time to count toward the two-offer requirement
- Subcontracted gigs do not count toward those two required offers
- A formal, transparent audition process will be implemented
- Auditions will be publicized in diverse NYC communities
- Clear guidelines will be in place for addressing artistic or professional concerns
- Offers, contracts, and calendars will follow standardized timelines
- All contracting will be done digitally
Joint Advisory Committee
- A new Joint Advisory Committee will be formed
- Committee members will attend at least one VOA board meeting per season
- The committee will play an active role in leadership transitions
New Protections
- Artificial Intelligence: VOA must bargain with AGMA at least six weeks before using AI in any capacity
- Data Breaches: Both AGMA and Artists must be notified in the event of a breach
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
- Expanded anti-discrimination protections now cover all statuses recognized under federal, state, and local law
- Artists cannot be required to perform in venues that discriminate based on any protected status
- Gender-neutral and modernized language used throughout the contract
- Secure dressing rooms are now guaranteed at all performance venues
General Improvements
- Updated and clarified the information VOA must provide to AGMA about Artists
- AGMA can now request automatic deduction of delinquent dues and fees
- Performance attire notifications must be sent earlier
- Virtual arbitration is now allowed if needed
- Updated and clarified rules for delegate elections
Contemporary Production Side Letter
- The Joint Committee will be consulted when extra rehearsal time is added to contemporary productions
- A reduced study time rate applies if prep time goes beyond 20 hours for productions requiring 25+ hours of preparation, keeping innovative projects financially feasible
- Artists may mark (not sing full out) to help avoid vocal fatigue