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Home » Orchestra News » Sarasota Orchestra Sees Improvements in New Contract


Sarasota Orchestra Sees Improvements in New Contract

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In early October, musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra, represented by Local 427-721 (Sarasota, FL) ratified a new four-year contract agreement. Running through the 2022-23 season, the contract includes salary increases in each year for the 42 full-time musicians (including two librarians) who perform in the 36-week concert season. The two sides of the bargaining table set a goal to achieve a minimum base salary of $40,000 over the course of the contract.

The Sarasota Orchestra also employs about 30 part-time musicians. This agreement provides wage increases for certain part-time performers, as well as improvements in musician travel pay and an improved sick-leave bank to assist part-time musicians. Retirement plan enhancements will make the Sarasota Orchestra more competitive with other Florida ensembles.

John Miller of Local 427-721, principal double bass and chair of the musicians’ negotiating committee, says that the agreement “includes meaningful gains in a number of areas” and “provides a framework for the orchestra to thrive and flourish. We believe the process of bargaining has strengthened relationships among the musicians, management, and board—and we look forward to building on that foundation over the next four years.”







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