The Delaware Symphony Association and members of American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 21 — the musicians who perform with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) — unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) renewal. The new agreement will be in force until August 31, 2025.
“The positive experience of these negotiations represents nothing less than a historic shift in the relationship between the Musicians of the orchestra, Local 21, and management,” said DSO Executive Director J.C. Barker.
it marks a continued turnaround for the orchestra, which like other arts organizations in Delaware struggled as corporate support waned while high-cost management structures, adapted from major employers, remained in place.
While the Covid pandemic presented a dire threat, arts organizations appeare to have weathered the storm.
At times during the past decade, the symphony suffered from financial issues that shortened seasons and led to labor-management turmoil. An aging subscriber base also presented a challenge.
“We are all very pleased with our new agreement and look forward to the start of a new era for the organization. The brilliant musicians of the Delaware Symphony are more than deserving of the changes this agreement represents, and we are excited about the bright future ahead — built on mutual respect and transparent communication.”
The agreement provides not only for regular pay increases for DSO musicians but also for additional contracted services and expanded community outreach opportunities. Details of the agreement were not released.
“The Delaware Symphony Association appreciates the opportunity, through this negotiation, to demonstrate the deep respect we have for the talented performers who are at the heart of everything we do,” said DSO Board President David Fleming.
“We are proud to have been one of the only orchestras in America to fully honor contracts and pay our musicians for Covid-cancelled performances in 2020. Good faith efforts and transparency by our orchestra management and musicians during the most disruptive period in history has led to the most positive, collegial relationship between the two in recent memory.”
Sandra VandeGeijn, chair of the Orchestra Player’s Committee and a member of the DSO musician’s union representatives, said of the agreement: “The members of the DSO unanimously ratified our new three-year CBA. The orchestra committee is thrilled with both the outcome and the collaborative, extremely positive way in which the negotiations proceeded. This feels to us like an exciting new chapter for the Delaware Symphony.”
She continued, “In partnership with J.C. Barker and the Board, we are proud to have a contract that supports our vision for expanding musical connections with our community and continuing the symphony’s artistic growth.”
Local 21 Secretary/Treasurer Glenn Finnan is also pleased with the outcome. “This ratification is the result of the great collaborative relationship that has developed between the DSO’s talented musicians and its dedicated management, which reflects the philosophy of any great professional orchestra. Thanks to the commitment of its musicians and DSO’s leadership team, with this contract the Delaware Symphony can continue to attract the best players. We have a world-class orchestra here in our community, able to provide inspiring musical experiences for all of Delaware for years to come.”
