NPO Musicians Ink New Contract

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

National Philharmonic Orchestra musicians finalized a new contract on June 28 that provides for wage increases, annual bonuses and increased pension payouts over the life of the three-year contract. AFM Local 161-710 President John Cusick praised the local's NPO bargaining committee "for crafting a compromise that shows concrete progress on wages despite the stagnant economy." Orchestra members also received contract upgrades that, among other clauses, included coverage for religious holidays. "Talks were cordial," added Cusick, "and we did well to work cooperatively with management to find solutions that benefited the musicians."
- Joseph Daniels, AFL-CIO Union Summer Intern