In August, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra ratified a new three-year contract agreement that began September 1, 2017 and is effective through August 31, 2020. The orchestra’s musicians are members of Local 256-733 (Birmingham, AL).
Wages remain the same this season, with modest increases next season and in 2019-2020, bringing annual salary to slightly more than $43,000 in the third and final year of the contract. Season length remains 40 weeks and the orchestra size of 53 musicians will continue.
The contract establishes 12 weeks of maternity leave, increases per-service pay for substitute musicians, and clarifies the makeup and role of the Artistic Advisory Committee—seven musicians representing all instrument sections, which will be a part of all discussions regarding concert series programming.