I am pleased to report that on March 9, after a week of intense negotiations, an agreement was reached with major Hollywood-based film producers and their television film counterparts to extend the existing Theatrical and Motion Picture Film Agreements for one year with a 3% increase in wages. Upon ratification, the extension and wage increase will become effective April 5, 2018.
Tag Archives: Wage increase
Improved Contract for Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra
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.
Grand Ole Opry Musicians Covered Under New AFM Contract
Musicians performing at the Grand Ole Opry voted to approve a new four-year contract that includes progressive wage increases in each of its years. Musicians also won higher health and welfare payments and increased pension contributions. Aside from the house band, the new contract also covers the eight or more guest musicians who perform at each of the Opry shows. Hundreds of freelance musicians will benefit as well.
“The ‘show that made country music famous’ started as a humble radio broadcast almost a century ago, but is now viewed and listened to by millions on traditional radio, satellite radio, and the web,” says AFM President Ray Hair. “That’s why musicians fought for and won new satellite radio payments and a percent of the Opry’s receipts for streamed content.”