AGMA's new one-year extension with Pittsburgh Opera has been ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. Within this extension, there have been increases in wages and the addition of three new DEI provisions. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 1-year extension! HIGHLIGHTS: COMPENSATION: 2% cost of living increase for production staff1% cost of living increase for performers​20% increase in per diems for visiting soloists DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION Three new DEI provisions:Right to union representation when raising concerns about discrimination and harassmentCommitment to recruiting from historically excluded groupsAgreement to ask for and use artist... Read More -->

AGMA's new collective bargaining agreement with Atlanta Ballet has been ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. There have been multiple additions and improvements to the contract language, particularly when it comes to more equitable compensation for newer dancers. Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 2-year agreement! HIGHLIGHTS: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: New Dancer rate  of  $700 will replace the old Apprentice rate – fully $200 morePreserved existing wage structure and seniority for the rest of the company​Approx. 5% increase for most dancers in the first year and 3% in the second year; with a higher increase for dancers below $1,000​Increase... Read More -->

Patrick Shelton (he/him/his) has joined AGMA’s professional staff as one of the New York Business Representatives. Originally from Long Island, and after many years living in Boston and Chicago, he is looking forward to returning home. “We are thrilled to have Patrick join this team,” said Sam Wheeler, National Executive Director, AGMA. “His track record when it comes to organizing is indisputable. His longstanding commitment to the labor movement within the Performing Arts, and his experience as an Operatic Soloist, is a tremendous and invaluable asset.” Shelton attended New England Conservatory and Roosevelt University and has worked as a Young Artist and Operatic Soloist. He has performed with AGMA and non-AGMA signa... Read More -->

New Webinar Alert! "Staging Staff's Role in Building an Equitable and Inclusive Production Culture” is now available for viewing. On June 27, the Staging Staff Caucus welcomed back guest speakers Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter to present on this important topic. The recording is available exclusively to AGMA members. To watch, members must log in to MyAGMA and visit the “AGMA Webinars” hub (found via the MyAGMA dropdown menu). From there, members should select “AGMA Caucus Webinars.” ... Read More -->

AGMA’s June 2022 Newsletter was emailed to AGMA members in good standing on June 29. As always, members should be sure to check their spam/promotions/other folders, depending on their email provider! Highlights from this newsletter include: an announcement around the successful organizing efforts by the Stage Managers of Des Moines Metro Opera; a letter writing campaign in support of the Artists of Alvin Ailey; recent statements from AGMA President Ray Menard; our Pride Month and Juneteenth messages; contract highlights from recent CBA ratifications; a recap of the June Board of Governors Meeting; and MORE! As a reminder, AGMA members can revisit ALL of AGMA’s past newsletters by visiting the Newsletter Archive on the website (My... Read More -->

The Dancers and Stage Managers of Alvin Ailey have sent a letter to the Alvin Ailey Board and have launched a letter-writing campaign to support their demand for a fair and equitable contract. Send a Letter With the current collective bargaining agreement between the American Guild of Musical Artists and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater set to expire on July 1, 2022, the AGMA Ailey Negotiating Committee – made up of the Artists of Ailey – has been at the bargaining table for several weeks, fighting for a fair and equitable contract. The Artists have made multiple detailed presentations to management in support of their request for a fair contract; in response, management has told the Artists that their asks are too costly... Read More -->

Today the Supreme Court has overturned Roe vs. Wade and Casey vs. Planned Parenthood, ending constitutional protections for abortion in a 6-3 decision. This ruling, a departure from 50 years of established law, makes abortion immediately inaccessible and often illegal to obtain in large portions of the country. Starting today, any person with a uterus now risks having to carry a pregnancy to term against their will and regardless of the risk, possibly at the cost of their own lives. When we learned of this eventuality through the leak of a draft opinion in May, I said: "Unions have always known that comprehensive healthcare is a fundamental right, and this decision will make it harder for pregnant people to make their own choices and... Read More -->

Today—at a time when the heartbreaking and irrevocable consequences of gun violence have never been more apparent—the Supreme Court issued a radical decision invalidating common-sense gun laws that protect millions of Americans. This decision makes artists—public figures who work in high-profile spaces—and our audiences less safe. I am disheartened and appalled. The safety of AGMA members will always be the Union's number one priority and today's ruling has put us all at greater risk. Ray Menard, AGMA President  ... Read More -->

The new one-year agreement between AGMA and Cincinnati Ballet was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. Highlights include: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Wage increases: 12% (Apprentices), 10% (New Dancers), 5% (First Year Corps), 4% (Corps + Soloists), 3% Principals3 additional paid sick days Increased extended sick pay leave ($400/week)3 job-protected weeks of extended sick pay leave for non-birthing parents.Paid half-hour call for dress rehearsalsEmployer will seek permission to provide digital copies of performances to dancers HEALTH AND SAFETY Use of intimacy coach for all intimate scenesProtections against surveillance regarding recording devices in studios DIVERSITY, EQU... Read More -->

The new one-year agreement between AGMA and Opera Philadelphia was ratified by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly approved by the shop. This is a Memorandum of Agreement and negotiations begin in 2023. Highlights include: 3% increase in compensation, per diems, and overtimeCommitment to begin 2023 negotiations at the MOA ratesCommitment to continue monthly Joint Labor-Management Committee meetingsContractual recognition of OP’s racial equity work, commitment to include AGMA Artists in ongoing work of EIC (Equity and Inclusion Committee); agreement that monthly JLMC meetings will address equity issues, such as recruitment, selection, retention, mentorship, training, advancement, and accessibility Thank you to the neg... Read More -->