American Classical Orchestra. Local 802 has reached a tentative agreement with the American Classical Orchestra. The agreement is retroactive to Oct. 31, 2006 and runs through Nov. 1, 2009. This ensemble pays full freelance scale. The union successfully added a ban on the virtual orchestra machine, prohibiting the use of any “mechanical, synthetic or technological device” except upon the written consent of the union. Ratification by the bargaining unit is currently underway.

Bob Dylan. A contract covering four musicians who performed the fall tour (October and November 2006) with Bob Dylan was reached in October. The agreement includes a 15 percent pension contribution based on a scale wage of $250 per concert and Plan A health coverage for the one Local 802 member on the tour.

Jillbern Music. A successor agreement was reached with Jillbern Music covering musicians who perform with vocalist Michael Amante. The one-year agreement provides a wage increase of 7 percent, to $230 per engagement (from $215 in the old contract), an increase in the rehearsal rate to $35 (from $30), a pension increase to 12 percent (from 11 percent) and an increase in health to $27 (from $23).

Metropolitan Opera Guild. Teaching artists at the Metropolitan Opera Guild have ratified a new three-year agreement. This agreement includes wage increases of 3 percent each year. There was a slight gain in the seniority provision. In the previous contract, teachers who hadn’t worked for MOG in nine months would lose their seniority. In the new contract, teachers may go without work for 12 months without losing seniority. Management will be required to provide reasonable notice of job offers to the teaching artists.

Old First Reformed Church. An agreement has been reached with the Old First Reformed Church of Brooklyn covering the organist who performs Sunday services, certain holidays and special services (weddings, funerals, etc.). The one-year agreement includes a scale wage of $260 for each Sunday service and holiday, and $300 for each special service. It also provides for an 8 percent pension contribution.

S.E.M. Ensemble. The S.E.M. Ensemble will continue to pay full freelance scale and benefits when performing in a major venue. This agreement is retroactive to May 15, 2006 and runs through May 14, 2009.

Seven Strings Limited. This contract covers live performances of the following rostered musicians: Larry Fuller, John Pizzarelli, Martin Pizzarelli and Tony Tedesco. Musicians earn $500 for a single performance or $1,200 weekly for a tour of eight performances or less. Performances beyond eight in any week pay $300. Rehearsals pay $30 per hour. Health benefits are $12 per service with a cap of $58 per week if more than seven musicians are employed. For fewer than seven musicians, health benefits are $23 per service with a cap of $60 per week. A service is defined as a performance or rehearsal. Pension pays 15 percent. The contract is retroactive to April 1, 2006 and runs through March 31, 2008.