The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) fully supports the Chicago Federation of Musicians and the Orchestra at Lyric Opera in their efforts to obtain a fair contract. As of Tuesday, October 9, the Lyric Opera Orchestra has been on strike to fight back against cuts that will diminish Lyric Opera of Chicago as one of the world’s great opera companies. AGMA members are encouraged to visit https://www.chicagolyricoperaorchestra.com for more information and updates.... Read More -->

CHICAGO (10/8/2018) – Lyric Opera of Chicago and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announced today that they have reached a multi-year labor agreement extending through the 2020/21 season.  The Agreement is subject to the ratification of AGMA members and approval of the AGMA Board of Governors. Details are not being released to the public at this time. About AGMA: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is a labor organization that represents the people who create and engage in America’s operatic, choral and dance performances across the world. AGMA represents approximately 7,500 opera and classical singers, ballet and modern dancers, and production personnel at all principal opera houses, ballet com... Read More -->

We are excited to welcome two new additions to AGMA’s senior staff team - Allison Beck and Hope Singer (see full biographies below). Beginning October 1, 2018, Allison Beck will become Mid-Atlantic Counsel, representing AGMA members in the Washington, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and other southeast areas.  Hope Singer officially will become West Coast Counsel, representing AGMA members in the Southern California Area as well as part of our Northwest Area. “I am delighted to welcome these two highly credentialed labor attorneys who bring a wealth of experience to AGMA.  Both will ensure that our union continues to provide exceptional member services by forcefully advocating on behalf of artists in opera, dance and choral fie... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) condemns all sexual abuse and sexual harassment.  AGMA is fully committed to ensuring that the artists we represent have safe, supportive workplaces.  We recognize and appreciate the brave women and men who have come forward as part of the #MeToo movement and acknowledge that the arts community has too often turned a blind eye to sexual misconduct. Singers and dancers, and many other performing artists, work in close physical proximity to their co-workers, presenting an art that requires bodily contact and touching.  It is imperative that these workers have confidence that they can do their work free from sexual harassment and abuse.  As the union representing these artists, one of our pri... Read More -->

New York, New York - Friday, September 14, 2018 — The two major musical unions at the Metropolitan Opera, the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802, AFM and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announce the approval of a new contract with the institution, pending final ratification on Monday by the AGMA Board of Governors. The unions represent several categories of workers at the Met, including the Regular and Associate Musicians of the MET Orchestra and Music Staff and Assistant Conductors, represented by Local 802, and the AGMA-represented Chorus, Soloists, Stage Managers, Stage Directors, Staff Performers, Dancers, and Choreographers. The joint statement is as follows: “We, the musicians and musical artists ... Read More -->

The Associated Musicians of Greater New York Local 802, the American Guild of Musical Artists, and the management of the Metropolitan Opera have reached a tentative agreement, subject to ratification by the bargaining units, Local 802 Executive Board and AGMA Board of Governors, on a three-year contract.... Read More -->

A statement from AGMA President James Odom on the Supreme Court Ruling: The recent decision from the Supreme Court in Janus v. AFSCME delivers a crippling blow to members of public-sector unions. It allows workers to enjoy the benefits of collective bargaining, contract enforcement, and union representation without taking responsibility for the funding of those activities. The flawed reasoning of forced participation in political activities, with which individual workers might disagree, is not compelling when the CWA v. Beck decision clearly exempts workers from paying any portion of dues levied by the union that are not directly related to core representational activities, such as contract negotiation and enforcement. Without t... Read More -->

Minutes before expiration of their contract at midnight last Thursday, the Artists of Ailey reached a new four-year (plus one month) tentative agreement with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.  The 34 Artists (dancers and stage managers) are represented by AGMA. The new agreement provides for substantial increases in wages, benefits and other terms.  The tentative deal is subject to ratification by AGMA’s Board of Governors. During the negotiations, the Artists of Ailey sought parity with other similarly-budgeted dance companies and industry standards.  The tentative agreement substantially increases pay scales for a majority of dancers in the first year along with other improvements in various areas of the contract. “This... Read More -->

The Artists of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater held a lively rally yesterday on steps of the famed dance studios to demand a fair contract including industry standard wages and benefits. [caption id="attachment_4783" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Dancers and stage managers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater rallied yesterday in their fight for a fair contract[/caption] Bursting from the studios during their lunch hour, the Artists chanted that they were “reaching for the standard” (meaning prevailing wages paid by comparable dance companies).  The Artists were joined by supporting AGMA members, affiliated unions, and Ailey supporters. Special guest speakers included NYS Senator Brad Hoylman and NYS Assemblywoman Li... Read More -->

Please come out tomorrow and support the dancers and stage managers of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in their fight for a fair contract! What: AGMA Union Rally When: Thursday, May 24th, from 3-4pm Where: 405 W. 55th St. (55th St. / 9th Ave.) Why: The AGMA represented dancers and stage managers of Alvin Ailey deserve a fair contract, with pay and benefits that meet industry standards! Joining us will be representatives from the NYC Central Labor Council, IATSE, the New York Professional Nurses Union, and others. We hope to see you tomorrow afternoon as we demonstrate union solidarity and stand behind our fellow members at Alvin Ailey in their struggle! WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please show your support for the A... Read More -->