The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the Metropolitan Opera have begun negotiations for a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement; The current agreement expires on July 31, 2018. AGMA is coordinating bargaining with Local 802, American Federations of Musicians. AGMA represents Soloists, Choristers, Stage Managers, Assistant Stage Managers, Stage Directors, Assistant Stage Directors, Dancers, Choreographers, and Staff Performers. Local 802 represents the Orchestra, Associate Musicians and the Music Staff at the Metropolitan Opera.... Read More -->

New York, NY (February 7, 2018) –  Artists of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater boycotted the company’s annual gala reception at the Kennedy Center last night based on management’s failure to adequately address the group’s substandard wages and benefits. The dancers and stage managers, represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), began negotiations in December for a new collective bargaining agreement, with the current one expiring on May 31st, 2018. Leonard Egert, National Executive Director of AGMA, stated “It is very concerning that Ailey’s Artists, predominately African-American dancers, earn much less than dancers at comparable companies with similar or even smaller budgets.  Management needs to prompt... Read More -->

New York, NY (January 30, 2018) –  American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the internationally acclaimed ballet company based in New York City, concluded an overall tentative agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the national union representing about 90 dancers and stage managers at the Company. The new three-year agreement, subject to approval by the AGMA Board of Governors, includes annual wage increases and an increase in retirement contributions for the artists, among other modifications. The chief negotiator for AGMA was its New York Area Dance Executive, Griff Braun. “We are very pleased to successfully conclude these negotiations and I know that these dedicated Artists are now looking forward to embarking on ... Read More -->

New York, NY (January 19, 2018) –  The Artists of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), the internationally renowned ballet company, overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Eighty (80) Dancers and Stage Managers, represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), took the vote as negotiations stalled.  The Artists have been bargaining with ABT management since late April of 2017 for a new three-year agreement.  Among other issues, the group is seeking to improve retirement contributions which were completely eliminated for one year, then cut in half - from 7.5% to 3.75% - during the recessionary period beginning in 2008.  Artists are now seeking modest increases in the contribution rate to... Read More -->

Portland, OR (September 19, 2017) The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) was officially recognized as the union representing the dancers and stage managers of the Oregon Ballet Theatre.  This recognition comes after a majority of these artists signed a petition requesting AGMA to represent them.  The Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) agreed to a voluntary procedure to confirm majority support which was completed last week. “We are privileged to represent the interests of all the wonderful dancers and staging staff at OBT.  AGMA welcomes this group to our family of professional artists who strive each day to reach artistic heights and their professional goals.  Oregon Ballet Theatre, as the largest ballet company in the state, deser... Read More -->