CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY OPERA

Local 802’s latest agreement with the Center for Contemporary Opera was ratified on Feb. 20. The new contract includes an increase of 13.5 percent in concert wages over the two years of the agreement. Rehearsal wages, cartage, and pension will be paid at full freelance scale. Health payments for performances and rehearsals have increased more than 60 percent since the expiration of the old contract in 2006. Nine musicians have been added to the primary hiring list and there is a new clause guaranteeing an equitable distribution of work. 

OPERA FRANCAIS DE NEW YORK 

Opera Francais de New York has agreed to pay full freelance scale and benefits for the next three years. The new contract, which expires on Sept. 11, 2010, follows the scale set forth by the recently ratified New York Pops agreement.