The Cleveland Orchestra's Management And Musicians Announce Terms Of New Trade Agreement

Management and Musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra have successfully concluded negotiations for a new three-year trade agreement for the 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons. The agreement was ratified by the members of the Orchestra through a vote which took place at the end of last week and weekend.

The new agreement sets compensation, benefit levels, and other terms and conditions of employment for the musicians of the Orchestra, who are members of Local 4 of the American Federation of Musicians. The musicians will receive 2% annual increases in minimum weekly compensation during the term of this new three-year contract, and a new fifth tier of seniority pay at the 25-year mark was created to acknowledge the deep commitment and dedication of the musicians. They will also receive annual increases in their retirement benefits, as well as higher levels of life insurance and long-term disability benefits. In turn, the musicians' contribution towards healthcare premiums will increase in each year of the agreement. Also, recognizing that future costs of medical insurance are a significant mutual concern, a joint advisory committee will be convened within the first year of the new agreement, to review the plans' features and their impact on costs, discuss possible cost containment measures, solicit input, and inform and educate adjustments to the plan. In addition, changes to the agreement address working conditions, including when on tour, and provide management greater flexibility and thus enhanced opportunities to improve bottom-line results.

"Musicians and Management approached these negotiations with the shared objective of having collaborative, constructive, and collegial contract discussions," said André Gremillet, Cleveland Orchestra President & CEO. The achievement of a new three-year agreement is a great credit to the negotiators on both sides of the table, to the members of our Board of Trustees who played an active role, and is the result of focused efforts in recent years to strengthen institutional alignment. Everyone involved feels we reached an outcome that will make it possible for The Cleveland Orchestra to further build on the great momentum that was achieved with the Centennial celebrations of the last year. This momentum will help with continued development of future audiences, increased impact of our education and community programs, and the artistic excellence that inspires and moves audiences in Ohio and all over the world."

"The musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Musical Arts Association on a new Trade Agreement," said Jonathan Sherwin, Chairman of the Orchestra Committee, which negotiates on behalf of the musicians. "Negotiations were cordial and civil, and the parties were able to constructively address a number of issues. Most importantly, the musicians want to thank our patrons, trustees, and donors for their tremendous support over the past 100 years, and we look forward to what the next century will bring for The Cleveland Orchestra."

In addition to Jonathan Sherwin, the Orchestra Committee included Richard Waugh, Hans Clebsch, Ralph Curry, and Marc Damoulakis, represented by attorney Kevin Case and Leonard DiCosimo, President of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians. Chief Financial Officer Jim Menger led the negotiating team for Management which was also comprised of Senior Director of Operations and Facilities, Julie Kim; Director of Human Resources, Judy Murphy; and Chief Artistic Officer, Mark Williams; represented by attorney Frank Buck. In addition to President & CEO André Gremillet, Cleveland Orchestra Board Chair Richard K. Smucker; Chair of the Personnel Committee Michael J. Horvitz, and its Trustee members provided active oversight of the process.