Pittsburgh Symphony Confirms New Trade Agreement With Musicians

The agreement, which runs until the close of the 2026/27 season, will provide a 12.6% total pay increase for players

The board of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has successfully concluded negotiations with its players regarding a new trade agreement. The agreement, which runs for three years (to the conclusion of the 2026/27 season), will come into force on September 2, 2024.

Over the course of the agreement, the PSO's musicians will receive a pay increase of 12.6%. The agreement also contains more provisions for parental and family leave, as well as extended medical leave and disability insurance provisions.

Health insurance policies have also been made more financially sustainable for the organization.

In addition, the new agreement alters some of the PSO's equity measures, particularly around unintentional bias in its processes for auditions and tenure applications. However, the nature of these updates was not disclosed.

“Pittsburgh Symphony Management, from the beginning of this process, has been committed to reaching a fair agreement that enables Pittsburgh to remain home to world-class artists who strengthen our local communities and global reputation as a great place to live," said Melia Tourangeau, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

“I am proud to note that throughout the negotiations — which were led by our Executive Vice President & COO Marty Bates — management and musicians were aligned on the importance of sustaining a highly talented workforce in Pittsburgh, the foundation of our world-class artistry and our ability to achieve our strategic goals in a  post-Covid environment."

"These goals are, first, the need to continually innovate to engage current and new audiences through concert experiences that fulfill our vision for great music in every life, and second, the PSO’s  commitment to actively supporting and inspiring equitable and accessible music learning in our region. With the negotiations now concluded, we are excited to embark on the upcoming 2024 Summer European Tour in our important role as Pittsburgh’s cultural ambassador and look forward to a vibrant and successful 2024/2025 season."