The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and The Metropolitan Opera in New York City have
reached a new one-year tentative agreement covering performers and other staff at the largest classical music organization in North America.
Members serve in roles such as chorus, soloists, dancers, full-time actors, stage managers, stage directors and choreographers. The agreement includes a 2.5% wage hike in addition to a supplemental temporary increase of 2.5% that sunsets at the end of the contract. This short-term boost reflects the role that AGMA members played in successfully lobbying for a $5 million appropriation for the cultural institution in New York state's budget.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs Lee Steiner, a chorister, and John Coleman, a stage manager. “This one-year agreement honors the contributions of all AGMA artists at the Met, and reflects real progress in areas our members identified as priorities. Just as importantly, it sets the stage for a more expansive negotiation next year, where we’ll continue to build on this momentum and work toward lasting improvements.”
AFL-CIO Daily Brief