Despite years of difficult negotiations, the members of American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 171 and
the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts have agreed to a new two-year contract.
The new contract extends through the 2026–2027 season. The deal calls for a minimum of eight symphonic concerts and an education concert in the upcoming seasons. The contract for the 67-member orchestra includes pay increases over each of the two years. The union and management declined to specify the amount of the raises.
Previous contracts were negotiated under more difficult circumstances. The orchestra and union reached a two-year deal in 2023, only after three years of negotiations and complaints to the National Labor Relations Board. Negotiations were much smoother this time.
Local 171 President Beth Welty said the agreement is a positive step. “We look forward to continuing to work with [Orchestra president and CEO] Paul Lambert, the staff and the board toward the goal of expanding the orchestra’s outreach and service to all of Western Massachusetts.”
AFL-CIO Daily Brief