The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera announced Thursday that it has reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Local 80 Tri-State Musician’s Union, beginning with the current season and ending in the 2023/24 season. The two entities began discussions earlier this summer and made several changes to work protocols, hiring practices, the audition process, and musician pay, which includes a small pay increase for musicians in each of the three years of the agreement. This new CBA comes after a one-year agreement that allowed for hiring and pay concessions on the part of the musicians in order to keep all contract musicians employed during the pandemic.
"The negotiating committee would like to thank the CSO board and management for their continued collaboration in addressing the needs of working professional musicians," said Orchestra Committee Chair Joey Demko. "This past year has been difficult for us all, but this agreement ensures that Chattanooga will continue to have the world-class orchestra it deserves."
"The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Board of Directors is particularly pleased that a new, three-year agreement has recently been ratified by its musicians," said CSO Board Chair Don McDowell. "The CSO's relationship with its employees remains strong due to our shared interest in addressing musicians' needs while staying competitive in an increasingly challenging environment."
Ratification included updated Health and Safety protocols for musicians that continue to address the challenges of live performances during the pandemic.
The CSO recently opened its 89th season on September 23 and has a full year of events planned. More information about CSO events can be found out www.chattanoogasymphony.org.