Kennedy Center Statement on Contract Negotiations with the musicians of the NSO and AFM Local 161-710

A STATEMENT FROM
THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
AND THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Contract negotiations with the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, AFM Local 161-710

(WASHINGTON)-After months of labor negotiations, the Kennedy Center and NSO leadership have offered a generous and fiscally responsible, new four-year contract to the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), AFM Local 161-710. The NSO musicians play a vital role in the artistic success of the Kennedy Center and positively impact our communities. Our enormous respect for their craft and artistic contributions are reflected in both their compensation and in the spirit in which the Center has approached these negotiations.

The compensation package offered to the musicians would increase wages by 12% over a four-year growth contract through 2028. The package also includes significantly expanded healthcare options at reduced costs for the musicians, the addition of paid parental leave, updates to audition and tenure processes, and funding of a third full-time librarian position requested by the musicians.

The 12% wage increase would bring the minimum NSO base salary to $178,840, and the average for most musicians to $209,325. The Kennedy Center was proud to have recently reached a successful negotiation with a comparable wage increase with the other two orchestras operating at the Center-Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and Washington National Opera Orchestra.

AFM Local 161-710 has taken a vote to authorize a strike and requested a permit to publicly demonstrate, indicating they may choose to go on strike despite the offer of a generous growth contract made by the Center and NSO leadership.

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) operates as an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the Washington, D.C. area. The total programmatic and operational cost for the NSO annually is approximately $50-60 million, encompassing both direct and indirect expenses. Notably, the Kennedy Center plays a vital role in supporting the orchestra, covering more than half of these expenses. The nature of this affiliation not only ensures the NSO's sustainability but also enhances its ability to deliver exceptional musical performances and educational engagement to the community.

The musicians of the NSO rank among the most highly compensated orchestras in the country, behind only the major cities of Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Under the current contract, NSO musicians receive an average annual salary of $186,000, and eight weeks of paid time off annually.

The musicians' demand for a 25% wage increase is not financially viable. While the Center's current proposal calls for fair wage increases each year, the musicians appear intent to restore wages lost as a result of the pandemic (2020-2021). During the pandemic, the NSO musicians received 65% of their contractual salary during an 18-month closure. Unable to mount performances during the closure, the Center had zero earned ticket income. All Center and NSO employees making a minimum of $75,000 also absorbed pay cuts ranging from 10% to 100% during the Center's shutdown. To date, no employee at the Kennedy Center or NSO has recouped lost wages. Like many arts organizations who rely on earned income, the Center and the Orchestra were forced to rebuild audiences over the last three years. The financial package offered to the musicians fits within the financial realities projected through 2028.

The Center remains hopeful that both parties can resume good-faith negotiations as soon as possible towards a fair contract that will enable the institution to shape its future in a way that is both responsibly and economically sustainable.

At this time, NSO concerts and events will proceed as scheduled. Patrons will be advised immediately should this change.

For the most up-to-date information please visit the Kennedy Center website.

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PRESS CONTACT:

Eileen Andrews
(202) 416-8448
[email protected]

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