Local 3 (Indianapolis, IN) and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) ratified a progressive three-year collective bargaining agreement on August 2. The musicians had been working under a one-year extension of the prior CBA, which expired in 2018.

The musicians used information gathered from the AFM about wages and working conditions in comparable orchestras to support their proposal for significant wage increases. The result is a two-tier wage structure with increases in both tiers—Subscription Concert Series Services and Contract/Education/Outreach Services. All service rates will increase by 3% in the first year of the contract. Concert Series service rates will increase by 5% each in years two and three for a total increase of 13% over the life of the agreement. Contract/Education/Outreach service rates will increase by 2.5% each in years two and three for a total increase of 8% over the life of the agreement.

In addition to Local 3 President Kara Spurlock, Secretary-Treasurer Martin Hodapp, and attorney William Groth, the bargaining team included ICO Orchestra Committee members Pamela Ajango (chair), David Murray, Alfred Abel, and Jared Rodin (all members of Local 3).