For immediate release:
August 15, 2022
Contact: Julie Goetz, Director of Communications
(412) 905-9058
jgoetz@pittsburghsymphony.org
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND MUSICIANS’ UNION EXTEND CONTRACT THROUGH 2023-2024 SEASON
PITTSBURGH— The Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc., and musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony, represented by the Pittsburgh Musicians’ Union, Local 60-471, American Federation of Musicians, have agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2023-2024 season. The current agreement expires at the end of the 2022-2023 season.
“This new labor agreement represents the continuation of a collaborative approach between the Pittsburgh Symphony and its musicians as we emerge from the pandemic not just to survive, but to thrive. We are united in working together on key strategic priorities focused on innovations to deepen our connections in the community, and to re-engaging patrons and to growing revenues,” said Marty Bates, Executive VP and COO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “We are grateful to the musicians for continuing to work closely with management on our mutual commitment to a collaborative workplace culture and competitive compensation. These are two key qualities that make the Orchestra a magnet for the best musicians in the world and a treasured community asset in Pittsburgh.”
“The Musicians of the PSO are deeply appreciative of the commitments this extension represents, both to the future of this institution as a world leader in the field of classical music, and to the spirit of collaboration between Musicians, board, and management. We look forward to the opportunities this agreement offers us, allowing the continued development of meaningful connections with our community, as well as continuing to pursue excellence both onstage at Heinz Hall and abroad while representing the Pittsburgh region on international tours,” said Andrew Wickesburg, viola, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and chair of the Orchestra Committee.
The new agreement includes several changes to workplace rules that take place in the 2022-2023 season, and an increase in compensation that goes into effect in the 2023-2024 season:
- Several workplace changes that will go into effect in the next season are designed to allow for additional options for presenting concerts in more places in the community and with smaller sized ensembles, as well as changes that add flexibility in scheduling rehearsals and concerts for films with the orchestra.
- In 2023-2024, the extended contract year, the musicians will receive a two percent total compensation increase comprised of a one percent increase in minimum scale and a nearly $1,100 increase in guaranteed media payments (for example, digital concerts). The current contract includes a six percent increase in minimum scale in the 2022-2023 season, which was agreed to in 2016 and amended in August of 2020 with cost-saving measures to help the institution survive the COVID-19 pandemic.