Musicians from one of the state’s largest professional orchestras will receive a pay increase and new benefits over the next two years, per terms of a new contract.
According to the Cape Symphony, the new contract, which went into effect on July 1, 2022 and covers the 69 full-time professional musicians, provides a 5 percent increase for the 2022/23 season and a 4 percent increase in the 2023/24 season. For the first time, Cape Symphony musicians will be offered the option to participate in the nonprofit organization’s 401(k) retirement plan. Also new is an insurance program for musicians’ instruments and an agreement on a new special events category that will enable the organization to bring the orchestra to smaller stage configurations and venues, exploring new possibilities in the community.
“The positive experience of our union negotiations represents a collaborative look forward and the start of a new era for our organization. The amazing musicians of the Cape Symphony are more than deserving and we are excited about our future working together to bring the best to the Cape and Islands,” said Michael Albaugh, Cape Symphony Executive Director.
The Cape Symphony musicians are members of the Boston Musicians’ Association (BMA), a labor union representing more than 1,600 professional musicians in the Boston metro area and beyond.
“We are pleased that the Collective Bargaining Agreement was ratified unanimously by the musicians of the Cape Symphony,” said Pat Hollenbeck, president of the BMA.
“The new contract is the result of months of productive conversations between the musicians of the Cape Symphony and the Symphony leadership,” said Dave Rufino, Orchestra Committee Chair. “We thank the Boston Musicians Association, the Cape Symphony executive team, and the Board of Trustees for their hard work in achieving a deal that responds to the needs of professional musicians and the organization. We are excited for the future and the commitment to provide the best live performances on Cape Cod.”
“This new contract is the result of outstanding collaboration between our executive team and musicians, and the Board is grateful for their dedication and commitment,” said Anthony Panebianco, Chair, Cape Symphony Board of Trustees. “I would also like to thank our customers, students, donors, friends, and local business partners; their support makes it possible for the Cape Symphony to grow and thrive.”
Visit www.capesymphony.org for more information.
Ellen Cliggott
