New 3-Year Contract, with Pay Increases, for Detroit Symphony Orchestra Musicians

In Friday’s (2/16) Detroit News, Melody Baetens writes, “The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have agreed to a new three-year contract, securing commitments through 2027. The ratification of the contract was announced Friday afternoon. The current agreement expires Sept. 1. The orchestra is on tour in Florida this week with music director Jader Bignamini. ‘I commend the work of the Negotiations Committee in developing this new agreement and sustaining the spirit of openness and cooperation that we have instilled in the culture of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra over the past decade,’ said DSO president and CEO Erik Rönmark … Principal trombonist Kenneth Thompkins thanked the board on behalf of all the musicians. ‘I am extremely proud of the collaborative nature of our contract negotiations,’ said Thompkins. ‘Our top priority is to always provide the finest music to the people of Detroit and the world.’ The three-year agreement maintains its current complement of 88 musicians with 39 weeks of performances plus a four-week vacation, and continues stipend payments for musicians during the nine non-work, non-vacation weeks. In effect Sept. 2, 2024, through Sept. 5, 2027, the contract also increases wages 10.9% over the previous contract.”