Just in: New deal gives musicians $100,000 minimum wage in St Louis

The St. Louis Symphony and the American Federation of Musicians have reached agreement on a new five-year contract seven months before deadline.

Here’s the deal:

– Annual minimum scale increases from $86,053 in FY17 to $98,304 in FY22 … averaging 2.8% annually. There is also a bonus of $2,250 in year five that will take total compensation in 2021/22 to $100,553.88.

– An increase of 1/2% to the pension contribution rate starting in year three of the new agreement.

– Work-rule adjustments that will allow for more flexibility with scheduling and how the orchestra is deployed, increased rehearsal efficiency, incorporating a personal day and updating touring conditions.

Timothy Myers, Principal Trombone & Chair of the St. Louis Symphony Musicians’ Negotiating Committee, said, “This agreement addresses many of the musicians’ concerns about the Symphony’s ability to attract and retain the best musicians to our orchestra. With much recent positive press about our performances in capitals in the US and Europe, as well as here in St. Louis, our artistic standing is unquestioned. We will now also see our economic standing among American orchestras rise as well. Besides the economic gains, we also achieved protections for our health and safety that were lacking in our previous agreements. The professionalism and constructive dialogue at the negotiating table certainly helped us reach this early agreement.’