(Philadelphia) The musicians of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, have ratified a new collective agreement which provides for salary increases of 15% in three years.
The new employment contract, the ratification of which was announced on Saturday evening, applies from September 11, 2023 to September 13, 2026. The salary increases will be distributed as follows: 6% in the first year, 4.5% in the second and 4. 5% the third.
This agreement therefore replaces the previous employment contract, which expired on September 10.
“After the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our challenge was to find a new agreement that would be fiscally responsible,” said Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center co-presidents Ralph W. Muller and Michael D. Zisman, in a press release.
According to the union, the agreement will force management to increase the number of musicians hired each year and ensure that the contractual level of 105 musicians and two librarians is met.
Substitute musicians will receive the same amount as full-time musicians receive during their third year of service. They will also be paid if their commitments are canceled with less than two weeks’ notice.
The agreement removes the clause that provided for a reduced overtime rate for film concerts and provides two days off after most concerts that take place on Sundays.
“This new collective agreement represents a victory both for the present and for the future of the Philadelphia Orchestra,” said David Fay, who has played double bass with the orchestra since 1984 and chairs the committee. musicians.
“We appreciate the leadership of our musical director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, whose deep respect for us as musicians was demonstrated by his support for a fair contract. »
Nézet-Séguin, who has led the orchestra since the 2012-2013 season, wore a blue sweater aimed at supporting the union during a public rehearsal on August 11.
The base salary in 2022-2023 for a Philadelphia Orchestra musician was US$152,256, including the salary under the Electronic Media Agreement.