The Houston Symphony and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 65-699, announced Oct. 9 a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that runs through Oct. 5, 2030.

The contract provides wage increases of 3 percent, 3 percent, 3.5 percent, and 4.25 percent over its term and expands the orchestra complement to 95, with the addition of three string positions and two music librarians. It allows savings in hiring practices during the first year in exchange for parity in compensation for substitute and extra musicians over the course of the agreement.

The agreement also includes healthcare wellness incentives, new string relief time and reimbursement for custom hearing protection, along with additional work rule changes. Audition, hiring and tenure review processes will be updated with the stated aim of greater fairness, consistency and transparency.

The orchestra operates on an annual budget of $42 million and presents more than 150 concerts each year.

Executive Director and CEO Gary Ginstling led the management negotiating team, which also included Chief Financial Officer Elizabeth Condic, Chief Operating Officer Vicky Dominguez, Director of Orchestra Personnel Brian Miller, Associate Director of Orchestra Personnel Becky Brown and former Director of Orchestra Personnel Mike Gorman. The musicians were represented by Wei Jiang, John Parker, Amy Semes, Andrew Pedersen and Ian Mayton.

“This agreement is an example of the collaborative culture that is a hallmark of the Houston Symphony,” said Gary Ginstling, Houston Symphony Executive Director and CEO, and holder of the Margaret Alkek
Williams Chair, per an official press release. “It enables us to make meaningful progress on our musicians’ aspirations while also addressing key financial issues. Most importantly, this agreement is an investment in the artistic future of the Houston Symphony, one which we all agree has never been more exciting.”