New contract increases Milwaukee Symphony musicians' pay after move to new concert hall

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Milwaukee Symphony has reached a four-year agreement with its musicians that will increase their pay and number of annual work weeks after the orchestra moves into its new concert hall.

The symphony broke ground last week on its extensive renovation of the former Warner Grand Theatre at 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. as its future home. The orchestra plans to debut there in the fall of 2020.

The labor agreement increases pay 1.75% for the 2018-'19 season, 3% in 2020-'21 and 3.5% in 2021-'22. There's no increase during the 2019-'20 season. Under the agreement, base pay for musicians will rise to $70,722.96 by the end of the contract.

A new four-year contract agreement between the Milwaukee Symphony and its musicians means a pay raise and a future increase in performance weeks for principal trombonist Megumi Kanda and her colleages.

This season Milwaukee Symphony musicians have played a season of 40 non-continuous weeks. They will play 41 weeks in 2020-'21 and 42 weeks in 2021-'22.

The contract extends the Milwaukee Symphony's long tradition of management-labor cooperation during a period of major transitions. In addition to the building project, the symphony is searching for a new music director.

“This four-year agreement, following a holding pattern in recent years of short-term contracts, demonstrates a commitment by the MSO board and management to artistic quality and stability for musicians during this exciting time of transition for the MSO,” Laurie Shawger, Players’ Council chair, said in a written statement released by the orchestra. The players are represented by Local 8 of the American Federation of Musicians.

"We see the members of the orchestra as partners in our strategic vision, and their dedication to that vision is inspiring,” said symphony president and executive director Mark Niehaus, a former MSO trumpeter.