The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) Board and Management and the Pittsburgh Musician’s Union Local No. 60-471, American Federation of Musicians have ratified a new three-year trade agreement beginning September 2, 2024 and running through the 2026-27 season. The new agreement sustains competitive compensation through the 2026-2027 season for the talented musicians of Pittsburgh’s world-renowned orchestra. The agreement further advances the PSO’s commitments to musician health and safety, fair and equitable audition and tenure processes, and a harassment-free workplace.
“Pittsburgh Symphony Management, from the beginning of this process, has been committed to reaching a fair agreement that enables Pittsburgh to remain home to world-class artists who strengthen our local communities and global reputation as a great place to live,” said Melia Tourangeau, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “I am proud to note that throughout the negotiations — which were led by our Executive Vice President & COO Marty Bates — management and musicians were aligned on the importance of sustaining a highly talented workforce in Pittsburgh, the foundation of our world-class artistry and our ability to achieve our strategic goals in a post-Covid environment. These goals are, first, the need to continually innovate to engage current and new audiences through concert experiences that fulfill our vision for great music in every life, and second, the PSO’s commitment to actively supporting and inspiring equitable and accessible music learning in our region. With the negotiations now concluded, we are excited to embark on the upcoming 2024 Summer European Tour in our important role as Pittsburgh’s cultural ambassador and look forward to a vibrant and successful 2024/2025 season.”
As part of the new trade agreement, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians will receive wage increases of 12.6% over the life of the agreement. In addition to wage increases, changes in total compensation and benefits for PSO musicians include:
• Strengthened support for parental and family leave, improved extended medical leave and long-term disability insurance provisions, and improved approaches to supporting musicians returning to work from injuries.
• Re-alignment of health insurance cost-sharing to improve financial sustainability while continuing to provide excellent benefits for employees.
Other provisions of the new agreement support the PSO’s commitment to providing a safe, fair and equitable workplace, including:
• Clear arbitration standards to protect musicians from workplace harassment.
• Continued improvement to the audition and tenure processes to further reduce the risk of unintentional bias, a key part of the PSO’s commitment to equitable and inclusive hiring and tenure decisions.
“All great cities in the world have extraordinary culture. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I am proud of our collective efforts to ensure that the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra remains at the center of Pittsburgh’s cultural excellence,” said Anthony L. Bucci, Board Chair, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “This three-year trade agreement demonstrates the deep commitment by the PSO board, musicians, and management to sustain the high quality and artistic excellence of this dynamic organization — a 21st century, modern American orchestra that contributes so much to our city’s vitality and livability, our business and regional economy, and our stellar reputation around the world.”
“The musicians are pleased to have reached a forward-thinking settlement that will help to restore the PSO’s reputation as a destination for the finest musicians in the world,” said Brandon McLean, Chair of the PSO Musician Committee. “We thank the management’s negotiating team for a collaborative, thoughtful, and productive process that will set the tone for continued growth and progress moving forward, and believe the provisions enshrined in this contract will make for a better, more inclusive work environment. We feel strongly that Pittsburgh doesn’t deserve merely a good orchestra but a great one, and this contract is a stepping stone to ensure that it remains true for generations to come.”
“PSO management and musicians share a commitment to a competitive total compensation package within our region and our industry,” said Marty Bates, Executive VP & COO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “This agreement is also a direct reflection of our shared commitment to excellence and a positive work culture, common hallmarks of Pittsburgh’s great institutions. As a result, we attract and retain world-class musicians and staff. Our productions support the employment of approximately 1900 individuals who, working together, help PSO contribute $125 million in economic, cultural, and educational impact to our city and region each year.”
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