The New York Pops, photo by Fadi Kheir

The end of the year invites reflection on a time of considerable change within our profession and within our local. From the ever-present threat of artificial intelligence on our livelihoods to the loss of federal funding for NPR, major universities, and other institutions devoted to the public good, we as Americans and as artists are in a seriously bizarre and troubling time. If any good can come of this, it’s the realization that we cannot take anything for granted, and that we must continue to fight for all that is decent, beautiful, and meaningful.

The new administration started the year facing major negotiations with our largest bargaining units: Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. That would have been enough to keep us occupied for months, but in addition to seemingly endless collective bargaining across all fields, we are still dealing with the quandary of how best to move forward with our building. We have had major staff changes, bylaw controversies, and serious challenges to our budget on many fronts. Despite all of this, we have not only survived but have produced excellent outcomes in our many negotiations and, significantly, without resorting to work stoppages. Once again, I must pause to commend our hard-working orchestra committees. These musicians donate considerable time and expertise year after year and provide an invaluable service to our colleagues. Your commitment to fairness, artistry, and mutual support is the foundation of this local.

In the concert field, hard work, solidarity, and, in most cases, the relationship building with employers that we have achieved over many years have paid off. The Local 802 single engagement classical contracts are in great shape. This year, we have managed to keep what has worked well in our agreements while continuing to make steady progress in wages and benefits. In addition to the contract updates below, I am pleased to report that, as of this writing, there is only one open contract among the 26 that fall under my purview. In addition, we recently revived the Classical Musicians’ Forum. The first meeting since 2022 was held on October 29^th and was well attended. I am encouraged by the positive response to that meeting and am looking forward to the next time.

One more thing has become crystal clear this year: our bylaws are in dire need of review and improvement. We have been correcting bylaws piecemeal over the last many decades, resulting in many bylaw provisions that are now antiquated and inconsistent. We saw this in full display when presented with conflicting bylaw proposals in the October Allegro. President Suttmann has assigned a bylaw committee from the Executive Board to bring a set of proposed changes for the board to review and approve before they are presented to the membership. It is, as it should be, a long, thoughtful, and time-consuming process to write, check, cross-check, and debate any bylaw change, but it is imperative that we do this now. The work is already underway, and we will present the membership with changes structured to both move us forward as well as honor our past. I am excited about this project and hope that we have the support of the membership as we roll this out over the next year.

CONTRACT UPDATES

• Orpheus Chamber Orchestra just ratified a new, one-year contract. The new agreement includes increases of 5 percent in all wages and will pay the Local 802 Single Engagement Concert Scale for cartage and for health benefits for subs and extras.
• Hora Decima has signed a new, three-year agreement that will conform to the Local 802 Single Engagement Concert rates.
• As of this writing, we are still in negotiations with Little Orchestra Society and are preparing for early negotiations with the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center.
• Several single engagement contracts are coming due in 2026: ABT, ABT pianists, Bronx Arts Ensemble, NJFO, Westchester Philharmonic, and Victor Herbert Renaissance Project.

Again, my gratitude to our hard-working staff, our members, and our community allies for seeing us through 2025. I am grateful to you all and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

As always, if you have any questions about the classical world and how the union can empower you to improve your wages, benefits and working conditions, contact me at (212) 245-4802, ext. 105 or e-mail me at kfisher@local802afm.org.