A three-year contract agreement for Louisville Orchestra musicians, represented by Local 11-637 (Louisville, KY), was reached in mid-July. The contract is retroactive to June 1 and runs through May 2020. Previously, musicians were preforming under a one-year contract that had provided a 3% raise. That temporary contract allowed management time to complete a new strategic plan.
As part of negotiations, musicians successfully fought for a planned endowment campaign to launch this fall—a necessary step toward financial stability. The musicians’ contract includes a 5% salary increase in the 2017-2018 season, and a 3% raise in each of following seasons. Orchestra size will grow from 55 to 58 by the final year of the contract, with one new position added each year.
Season length remains at 33 weeks, but a paid vacation week has been added and both sick leave and personal leave will increase. The musicians will also have increased input with the Louisville Orchestra Board of Directors.