Two weeks after the expiration of their old contract and with the help of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and the orchestra’s Board announced the ratification of a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, effective September 14, 2015, through September 16, 2018.
The agreement includes wage and pension increases and scheduling provisions « that will provide more flexibility during the season and on tour », according to the Orchestra.
Under the terms of the newly ratified agreement, annual salary will increase by 1% in the first contract year and 2% in each of the second and third years. The pension benefit will increase by 4.3% and there will be no changes to health care plans or contributions.
