I’m very happy to be welcoming the new season with some more great news. In addition to President Cutler’s groundbreaking New York Philharmonic contract, this month Local 802 concluded negotiations on two other important contracts: Orchestra of St. Luke’s and the American Ballet Theatre.

ORCHESTRA OF ST. LUKE’S

Negotiations for the previous successor agreement with OSL happened throughout the years of the pandemic and continued through the beginning of the third year of the contract. During that time, we were able to examine the contract thoroughly and eliminate obsolete language while adding some long overdue changes to more closely reflect the reality of how the organization operates. With that in place, and following some preliminary discussions, we were equipped to settle the new agreement over the course of one afternoon.

The four-year agreement covers work through 9/7/28. Chamber music wages will increase 20.75 percent in year one and another 12.5 percent in year four of the agreement. Additional chamber music performances beyond two will increase 14.3 percent. Chamber concerts and fee engagements as well as chamber concert performances at schools will increase by more than 12 percent. Solo payments will increase by 3.25 percent and 4 percent in year four following the same increases we gained in the single engagement contract this year. Musicians who perform 75 percent or more offered services can obtain Plan A health coverage.

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

After nearly six months of negotiations, Local 802 reached a deal with ABT management. The new, overwhelmingly ratified contract and the tenor of these negotiations reflected what we hope to be a new paradigm at ABT. Not only did we attain the greatest increases than we’ve ever had with this employer, but the committee and musicians remained steadfast and engaged throughout. A whopping 86 percent of the orchestra participated in the ratification process.

It was not easy, and we had our work cut out for us. As I reported in my last column, ABT wages had been lagging behind the Local 802 freelance scale for a decade due to many years of wage freezes and nominal increases. We were determined to break that pattern once and for all. With new people at the bargaining table on both sides as well as new management at ABT, we were able to settle on an aggregate increase over three years of 19.09 percent, with performance wages paying $347.60 by the third year of the contract. In addition, health benefits for rostered musicians who perform 75 percent or more offered work will receive $5,000 (split between two contribution periods) up from the current amount of $3,800. Pro rata health benefits will be $40 for each rehearsal (up from $9) and $40 for each performance (up from $30).

Negotiation success is nearly impossible without thoughtful, diligent and tenacious work by our orchestra committees and in this case, the sensible counsel of attorney Steven Farkas of Collaran, O’Hara, and Mills L.L.P. This is the time of year when some freelance orchestras hold committee elections. I strongly urge you to consider participating. Even if you have no experience in this area, committee work is the place to begin. Not only does serving give you insight into the workings of the union and your orchestra’s management, but it’s incredibly satisfying to know that you’ve done something important for the greater good of your colleagues.

As always, you can reach me at kfisher@local802afm.org with questions or concerns.

Have a wonderful season and I hope to see you soon as I make my usual rounds this fall.