Nashville Symphony, AFM Local 257 Musicians Ratify New Contract

The Nashville Symphony and the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, have ratified a new contract, completing the restoration of musicians’ salaries to their 2013 levels by early 2018. The agreement was reached three months ahead of schedule and will go into effect Aug. 1.

“Over the past three years, our institution has made tremendous strides in restoring the Nashville Symphony to fiscal vitality,” said board chair James C. Seabury III. “None of this would have been possible without the collaboration and cooperation of our orchestra musicians, who have made enormous sacrifices on behalf of the entire institution.”

The new agreement provides for a 4.5 percent increase to the musicians’ base salaries for the 2016-17 season and provides two additional increases totaling 5.3 percent for the 2017-18 season. In addition, the contract provides for restoring one second violin position to the ensemble in the second year of the agreement.

“The musicians of the Nashville Symphony have worked very hard over the past few years and continue to excel,” said AFM Local 257 President Dave Pomeroy. “This agreement is a step in the right direction as we continue to work toward getting the Nashville Symphony musicians to the pay level their artistic achievements deserve.”

Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine said, “Together we have achieved things that many would never have thought possible: the building of a world-class concert hall, eight Grammy Awards, two critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall performances, and much more. Working with the musicians of our orchestra is one of the most gratifying parts of my job, and I am utterly thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead.”

Laura Ross, violinist and union steward, affirmed the cooperative spirit between the orchestra musicians and management. “The cordial atmosphere during negotiations was welcome, and this agreement is validation that our hard work and continued excellence are appreciated. We are proud to represent Music City, and it is gratifying to know that our community supports our efforts.”