The Montreal Symphony Orchestra/Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) and the Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ) have announced the signing of a new five-year collective agreement for musicians, effective September 1. The agreement includes annual increases that will rise a total of 10 percent over the five years, as well as greater pension benefits. Madeleine Careau, the orchestra’s chief executive officer, said, “This successful conclusion to collective bargaining will enable us to go further along the path of budgetary rigor, while allowing the OSM’s programming to be continually enriched for the benefit of its audiences.” Luc Fortin, president of GMMQ, said, “This agreement is the result of a spirit of collaboration between OSM management, its musicians, and their professional association. It is important to work together toward long-term and realistic solutions that will ensure the sustainability of the jobs of our members while maintaining working conditions befitting of an orchestra of international reputation.”
Posted September 5, 2018