At 3:15 p.m. on Friday, September 27, the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra leadership announced that they reached a new 18-month labor agreement with the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, AFM Local 616-710. The musicians had previously announced a strike, which was reported on Friday morning in the Washington Post and elsewhere.
The Kennedy Center states that the growth contract will increase wages by 4% in year 1 and 4% in year 2 with negotiations to commence in early 2026. The package also includes expanded healthcare options at reduced costs for the musicians (a savings of more than $1,000 annually from reductions in employee contributions), the addition of paid parental leave, updates to audition and tenure processes, and funding of a third full-time librarian position requested by the musicians. This 18-month contract will provide all parties time to come together to settle a longer-term agreement that demonstrates respect for the musicians’ artistic contributions and maintains the orchestra’s competitiveness in the field. The Kennedy Center says that the agreement also allows the Kennedy Center and National Symphony Orchestra to operate in a way that is fiscally responsible and sustainable. The NSO’s 2024–2025 Season Opening Gala concert on Saturday, September 28, and all future performances will now proceed as scheduled.