On the evening of September 16, AGMA leadership and the AGMA members of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The Choristers voted 100% in favor of the authorization. 98.1% of eligible members participated in the vote, and 81.1% of the unpaid singers from the Verdi Requiem Chorus have pledged to honor an AGMA picket line.
A work stoppage is the most powerful action union members can take, but a strike is always a last resort. At this time, it does not mean that a strike has begun. The AGMA Board of Governors has granted Interim National Executive Director Allison Beck and/or her successor, the authority to call a strike if and when necessary, in consultation with the Negotiation Committee.
This pivotal decision follows a challenging period of negotiations that have, unfortunately, failed to produce a fair contract. AGMA members have continued working under an agreement that expired on July 31.
AGMA President Ned Hanlon, who also works as a full-time Chorister at the Metropolitan Opera, stated, “The decision to authorize a strike is never taken lightly, but the chorus members of the San Francisco Symphony have demonstrated incredible unity and resolve in the face of a management unwilling to negotiate fairly.”
“The proposed drastic budget cuts would result in the loss of union jobs—jobs that are vital to maintaining the artistic excellence of the Chorus and the symphony as a whole. The AGMA Board of Governors and Artists around the country stand fully behind the Chorus as they fight not only for their livelihoods, but for the future of the performing arts in the Bay Area,” he continued.
Currently, San Francisco Symphony Management is:
- Proposing to cut AGMA Choristers' annual compensation by 65%;
- Proposing to reduce choral programs from 8-11 per season to 5 programs guaranteed per year;
- Refusing to demonstrate that these cuts will be shared equitably across the Company, and failing to demonstrate that targeting SFS’s nationally and internationally acclaimed Artists will make a difference with their alleged financial situation.
“The San Francisco Symphony already receives, by far, the largest return on investment from any other pillar of the organization from the Chorus, as only a quarter of the singers are paid, and those paid singers receive the lowest rates of any working artist in the company,” said Elliott Encarnación, an AGMA Governor on the Executive Council and SFSC negotiating committee member. “To target the Chorus with these dubious cuts suggests an unconscionable lack of respect, and frankly understanding of the treasure this ensemble is or how to steward it responsibly.”
San Francisco Symphony management’s refusal to offer an adequate response has now jeopardized the Symphony’s upcoming three-day run of Verdi's Requiem, set to begin on September 19.
AGMA calls on its members across the country to stand in solidarity with these Choristers, including both union members and non-paid singers who are selflessly standing shoulder-to-shoulder with AGMA. Show your support by sharing this message and following their official Instagram @sfsymphonychorus. Supporters can also participate in an active letter-writing campaign. Stay connected through AGMA's official channels for updates on the potential strike and to learn how AGMA members and allies can help protect the San Francisco Symphony Chorus.