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Home » Orchestra News » St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Musicians Extend Contract


St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Musicians Extend Contract

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In March, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) announced that it will extend its musicians’ contract through June 2024, maintaining all pay, benefits, and work rules of the current CBA. The deal was ratified unanimously by the musicians, 15 months ahead of time.

While many orchestra negotiations since the pandemic have involved pay cuts, SPCO musicians are scheduled to receive a 2% raise in fiscal year 2022, and pay will remain at that rate through the life of the new contract. SPCO achieved a small surplus on its $9.7 million budget in fiscal year 2020, and for years has been putting surpluses toward a “rainy day” fund, which has helped the organization weather the pandemic.

“By unanimously approving this contract extension, the SPCO musicians join the management and board in solidarity as our organization navigates the challenges of the pandemic and recovery together,” says Lynn Erickson of Local 30-73 (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN), an SPCO trumpet player and chair of the orchestra committee.

Local 30-73 President Brad Eggen adds, “The extraordinary musicians of the SPCO and their union representatives share with the entire SPCO community a unified objective—to ensure that this inspiring organization continues to thrive. This agreement is wholeheartedly supported by all and serves that essential purpose.”

SPCO is looking into the possibility of presenting live performances with audiences beginning in the fall.







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