Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege Faculty Launches Strike 

Due to stalled contract negotiations, the teaching staff will go on a one-week strike from February 1–7, 2025

Represented by the ARTS-MSM Precollege Faculty Union, Local 6498 NYSUT, the Manhattan School of Music’s (MSM) precollege faculty is staging its first strike in the school’s 100-year history.

This occurred as the teaching staff voted 98% to 2% in favor of a walk-out earlier this month if contract negotiations continued to stagnate. Though they have continued teaching through this semester, their previous contract expired in August 2024. 

For a week beginning on February 1, 2025, a multi-union rally will be held in front of the school building. Attendees will include members of the ARTS-MSM and representatives of supporting local unions including PSC-CUNY, UFT, and UUP. 

The union states that part of ARTS-MSM’s strike is centered on the need for basic industry standards and pay equity to meet the rising cost of living in Manhattan.

“[This strike] is the result of MSM’s refusal to bargain in good faith and come to an agreement on a fair contract that reflects a commitment to its faculty of accomplished artist-performers and to providing the highest quality music education for generations to come,” NYSUT said in a press release. “Ensuring fair pay and benefits for these workers is crucial for maintaining MSM’s high standards, attracting top talent and fostering community trust. It’s time for the administration to prioritize making music over money.”

According to a statement from the MSM, the school has engaged in negotiations with the union since June 2024. One proposal involved the increase of the current minimum hourly wage by 14.75% in the contract’s first year (retroactive to September 2024) and by almost 64% in the agreement’s fourth year (to a minimum of $100 per hour). 

The most recent negotiating session was held on January 9. The next session is scheduled for February 7, 2025. 

“[This situation] follows the union negotiating team’s pattern of low or non-availability to meet since the beginning of the negotiation process,” the MSM stated. “We encourage ARTS- MSM leadership to return to the negotiating table next week, as scheduled, to resolve the remaining differences.

“Manhattan School of Music began its history serving children and remains deeply committed to supporting the Precollege Division,” they added. “We value every member of the Division, agree that Precollege faculty wages need to increase, and look forward to the amicable and successful conclusion of negotiations and the signing of a new agreement as soon as possible.”