In December, Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra ratified a four-year CBA under which its musicians, represented by Local 443 (Oneonta, NY), will see wage increases and other significant improvements. Base musician wages will increase 3% in each year of the contract, in addition to increases in guaranteed weekly minimum salary, overscale for principal players, and pension contributions. Improvements to sick time, bereavement leave, personal leave, and guaranteed season leaves of absence will also take effect. A new position has been added to the core roster; language regarding dismissal policy has been improved; and opportunities for additional work will be added as the festival grows.

“This contract achieves significant gains for our membership in many areas,” says Committee Chair Greg Spiridopoulos of Local 443. “We are especially pleased to have been able to make these enormous strides for our entire membership in a compact negotiation, which was achieved by establishing a mutually respectful relationship with management early in the process and identifying the shared goal of the company’s artistic growth.” Negotiator and Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) Vice President Robert Couture was brought in by Local 443 to assist throughout the negotiating process.