The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and New York City Ballet was approved by AGMA leadership, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. ICYMI: This bargaining victory was featured in the New York Times on September 8! Let’s celebrate some gains! Notably, by the end of this new agreement, pandemic-related cuts will be restored, and wages will be increased. The new contract will also formalize and reinforce practices and policies related to NYCB’s ongoing work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which reflects the deep commitment that AGMA and NYCB share in upholding a workplace culture of safety, inclusion, and belonging.   Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this 3-year ... Read More -->

Read about this in the New York Times! The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and New York City Ballet (NYCB) reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, effective September 1, 2022, and running through August 31, 2025. The AGMA Board of Governors ratified the agreement at its September 6 meeting. New York City Ballet and the AGMA NYCB Negotiating Committee, representing their fellow company dancers, stage managers, and other artists, came to a mutually beneficial contract.  Notably, the three-year agreement restores losses from the economic cuts agreed to in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which ultimately resulted in a shutdown of 18 months, including the cancellation of 27 weeks of NYCB pe... Read More -->

After a careful review of the facts, one of the country’s top arbitrators has decided to reinstate Amar Ramasar and Zachary Catazaro to the New York City Ballet. Mr. Catazaro has decided not to return to City Ballet. The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) exists to ensure the rights of all our members are protected—that includes those who report harassment in the workplace as well as those who have been subject to unjust termination. This was a complicated situation. We pursued this case because it's important to us that your employer is prevented from taking extreme and potentially career-ending action based on non-criminal activity in your private life. We are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure you have ... Read More -->

On the evening of February 6, AGMA leadership and the Dancers and Stage Managers of American Ballet Theatre voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The Artists voted 95.6% in favor of authorizing the strike. This pivotal move follows an arduous eight-month period of negotiations that has unfortunately not resulted in a fair contract. During this time, AGMA Artists at ABT have been diligently working under an expired contract since September. The dedication and unwavering commitment of the Dancers and Stage Managers of ABT are beyond dispute. They consistently perform at the pinnacle of their field, often at the cost of their well-being, safety, and financial stability, all in the pursuit of ensuring ABT's success and arti... Read More -->

Ballet Faculty at The School of American Ballet (SAB) have taken a historic step by signing union cards to join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). This marks a groundbreaking moment for AGMA as it organizes dance educators for the first time. Expressing enthusiasm about this significant development, Griff Braun, AGMA’s National Organizing Director, stated, "This is a significant moment for both AGMA and the dance education community. I believe the unity and commitment shown by the SAB ballet faculty will pave the way for a new era in our union." Founded in 1934 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, and affiliated with the New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet is a renowned institution providing... Read More -->

NEW YORK CITY/CHICAGO - 04/21/2022 - The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the Joffrey Ballet reached a new five-year collective bargaining agreement, beginning July 1, 2022, and running through June 30, 2027. This is currently a tentative agreement, pending ratification by the AGMA Board of Governors. The AGMA Joffrey Negotiating Committee, representing their fellow 46 Joffrey dancers and stage managers, and the Joffrey came to a mutually beneficial contract after just one week of negotiations and open dialogue, marking the second consecutive five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between AGMA and the Joffrey. “This is an extraordinary agreement, and one both parties should celebrate,” said Sam Wheeler, N... Read More -->

The AGMA Board of Governors is pleased to announce Sam Wheeler as the Union’s new National Executive Director. The Board approved this appointment on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Mr. Wheeler will assume the position on February 1, 2022. Mr. Wheeler is a union-side labor lawyer who has dedicated his professional life to the labor movement. He joined AGMA in 2019 as Eastern Counsel. “During his tenure at AGMA, Sam demonstrated that he is a leader and became known for being a strong and gifted negotiator and a fierce advocate for AGMA Artists across the country. The Board recognizes that he is an exceptional individual and we are delighted that, as National Executive Director, Sam will continue to serve the Union in an important ... Read More -->