American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)-represented performers at the Texas Ballet Theater
achieved a historic milestone late last month when they ratified their new union contract, the first time North Texas dance company workers have done so in more than 40 years.
Why It Matters:
Members secured a four-year agreement that raises wages, improves safety and health protections, establishes greater paid time off, guarantees fair grievance and arbitration processes, and so many more victories. Another notable win includes language that codifies commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. This is especially critical given that both the White House and Texas lawmakers have implemented bans on policies that support marginalized workers.
“This is an important step for dance and for union artists in the North Texas area,” said Griff Braun, national organizing director of AGMA. “What came out of that I think is really good for the dancers and for the company and for the future of Texas Ballet Theater. I think professional dance and opera and other performing arts at this level are in the crosshairs, both in terms of attacks on labor and working people's rights, but also attacks on arts funding.”
AFL-CIO Daily Brief