The Artists of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater held a lively rally yesterday on steps of the famed dance studios to demand a fair contract including industry standard wages and benefits. [caption id="attachment_4783" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Dancers and stage managers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater rallied yesterday in their fight for a fair contract[/caption] Bursting from the studios during their lunch hour, the Artists chanted that they were “reaching for the standard” (meaning prevailing wages paid by comparable dance companies). The Artists were joined by supporting AGMA members, affiliated unions, and Ailey supporters. Special guest speakers included NYS Senator Brad Hoylman and NYS Assemblywoman Li... Read More -->
MyAGMA
Come out and support the Artists of Ailey!
Please come out tomorrow and support the dancers and stage managers of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in their fight for a fair contract! What: AGMA Union Rally When: Thursday, May 24th, from 3-4pm Where: 405 W. 55th St. (55th St. / 9th Ave.) Why: The AGMA represented dancers and stage managers of Alvin Ailey deserve a fair contract, with pay and benefits that meet industry standards! Joining us will be representatives from the NYC Central Labor Council, IATSE, the New York Professional Nurses Union, and others. We hope to see you tomorrow afternoon as we demonstrate union solidarity and stand behind our fellow members at Alvin Ailey in their struggle! WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please show your support for the A... Read More -->
AGMA and Metropolitan Opera Begin Negotiations
The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the Metropolitan Opera have begun negotiations for a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement; The current agreement expires on July 31, 2018. AGMA is coordinating bargaining with Local 802, American Federations of Musicians. AGMA represents Soloists, Choristers, Stage Managers, Assistant Stage Managers, Stage Directors, Assistant Stage Directors, Dancers, Choreographers, and Staff Performers. Local 802 represents the Orchestra, Associate Musicians and the Music Staff at the Metropolitan Opera.... Read More -->
New AGMA Logo
AGMA Has a New Look! A great deal of time and effort has gone into creating this new design with you, the members, in mind. While beloved, the AGMA Lady is not as clear or recognizable as we would like AGMA to be. After much discussion, it became more and more obvious that AGMA needed a logo that is clear, clean, easily read, while being current and up-to-date. AGMA deserves a logo that says, “these are the dancers, singers and opera people.” Our goal was to create a refreshed, updated, and clearly recognizable identity that reflects the values and traditions of AGMA. The design firm we engaged heard us and delivered a look that shows AGMA as unified, inclusive, strong, organized, professional and trusted. The new lo... Read More -->
Alvin Ailey Dancers Boycott Gala at Kennedy Center
New York, NY (February 7, 2018) – Artists of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater boycotted the company’s annual gala reception at the Kennedy Center last night based on management’s failure to adequately address the group’s substandard wages and benefits. The dancers and stage managers, represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), began negotiations in December for a new collective bargaining agreement, with the current one expiring on May 31st, 2018. Leonard Egert, National Executive Director of AGMA, stated “It is very concerning that Ailey’s Artists, predominately African-American dancers, earn much less than dancers at comparable companies with similar or even smaller budgets. Management needs to prompt... Read More -->
American Ballet Theatre and American Guild of Musical Artists Reach Tentative Agreement
New York, NY (January 30, 2018) – American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the internationally acclaimed ballet company based in New York City, concluded an overall tentative agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the national union representing about 90 dancers and stage managers at the Company. The new three-year agreement, subject to approval by the AGMA Board of Governors, includes annual wage increases and an increase in retirement contributions for the artists, among other modifications. The chief negotiator for AGMA was its New York Area Dance Executive, Griff Braun. “We are very pleased to successfully conclude these negotiations and I know that these dedicated Artists are now looking forward to embarking on ... Read More -->
American Ballet Theatre Artists Vote to Authorize Strike
New York, NY (January 19, 2018) – The Artists of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the internationally renowned ballet company, overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Eighty (80) Dancers and Stage Managers, represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), took the vote as negotiations stalled. The Artists have been bargaining with ABT management since late April of 2017 for a new three-year agreement. Among other issues, the group is seeking to improve retirement contributions which were completely eliminated for one year, then cut in half - from 7.5% to 3.75% - during the recessionary period beginning in 2008. Artists are now seeking modest increases in the contribution rate to... Read More -->
AGMA’s Statement on Allegations Against James Levine, Metropolitan Opera Music Director Emeritus
We are appalled by the recent reports of sexual abuse allegations against James Levine, the Metropolitan Opera’s Music Director Emeritus. Last night, the Metropolitan Opera (“Met”) suspended Mr. Levine pending an immediate, internal investigation. We support the Met’s recent actions. As the union representing choristers, soloists, stage managers, directors, dancers, choreographers and staff performers, we seek to protect our members from all forms of harassment and discrimination. The Met has a legal duty to provide a safe workplace and take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment. This duty includes conducting prompt and diligent investigations in response to credible complaints of misconduct with appropriate actions wh... Read More -->
Best Time to Join AGMA is Now
We are the labor union that represents the men and women who create America’s operatic, choral and dance heritage. Because performing artists live to perform, they are vulnerable to employer exploitation, unfair and unsafe conditions, and illegal discrimination. They can find the protection they need by joining AGMA – the American Guild of Musical Artists. Without forceful advocacy of their interests, artists can be subjected to abuse, low pay, poor working conditions, inadequate benefits, and no job security. Join AGMA Now - Initiation fees increase as of January 1, 2018 (from $500 to $1000). Membership in the American Guild of Musical Artists has countless benefits and advantages. Not only does it provide you with access... Read More -->
Message from Deborah Allton-Maher, Associate Executive Director
Dear AGMA Members: Considering the recent exposure in the press of the illegal and insidious harassment by those who occupy positions of power against those who are most vulnerable, I feel compelled to reach out personally to all of our members with reassurance and support and to urge anyone who has experienced this trauma to utilize the reporting method that AGMA has provided. All you need to do is to call me or email me to report any behavior that has made you uncomfortable, fearful or if you feel threatened in any way. All reports are kept strictly in confidence, no names are used. If we receive multiple reports against an individual we notify the employer(s) of the offending person to either conduct an investigation, or to take pr... Read More -->