San Antonio Philharmonic and Musicians Union Announce New Collective Bargaining Agreement

The two year agreement applies to the 120 musicians in the young organization

A new two-year collective bargaining agreement has been announced between the San Antonio Philharmonic and the American Federation of Musicians Local 23. The agreement ensures competitive wages, plus equitable auditioning and hiring practices.

Many of the musicians that the agreement affects are former members of the San Antonio Symphony, which ended in 2022, and reborn as the San Antonio Philharmonic later that year.

"This union agreement marks the 80th anniversary of our esteemed orchestra and its remarkable legacy of serving our community," said Jeffrey Kahane, San Antonio's Music Director. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations as the music director, and I am excited to be a part of a vibrant and supportive environment for our musicians while empowering the orchestra with renewed confidence."

"We are thrilled to reach this agreement, which not only recognizes the exceptional talent of our musicians but also sets a new standard for fair and equitable compensation in the arts," said Roberto Trevino, Executive Director of the San Antonio Philharmonic. "This agreement will allow us to continue delivering world-class performances and maintain the high artistic standards that our audiences have come to expect. I would also like to thank our board for their help throughout this very important process and our ongoing successful negotiations with the Scottish Rite Temple.”

While the news comes as the ensemble starts its 2024-2025 season, it has also been reported that two major funders are suing the orchestra for over $180,000.

Married couple David Wood and Colette Holt claim the orchestra has allegedly defaulted on two loans, KSAT News reported. 

The lawsuit came two days before the city council’s recent unanimous budget approval for the orchestra, including a confirmed $111,055 for the 2025 fiscal year — an increase from the previous year’s $88,844, noted the San Antonio Report. 

Presented to the Bexar County District Court, the lawsuit was filed after Wood had written to Bexar County Commissioners and San Antonio City Council members before their budget votes. 

Wood requested that they delay providing the philharmonic any taxpayer money “until the organization is once again legally structured, with a duly elected Board of Directors, and after a full audit of its finances.”

The couple is demanding immediate repayment, including interest and attorney’s fees. 

San Antonio Philharmonic’s Executive Director Roberto Treviño has since denied the lawsuit’s allegations and told KSAT that the orchestra’s attorney “is aware of this and will respond appropriately.”

“All I can say is the allegations are completely false. They’re inaccurate,” he added.

The orchestra has declined to comment on the matter to The Violin Channel.

As stated by the City Manager Erik Walsh, the funds from the approved budget will not be allocated automatically. 

“During the City budget process, I advocated to support the musicians of the Philharmonic — the American Federation of Musicians, Local 23,” said Councilwoman Teri Castillo. “Our symphony musicians deserve the support of the City of San Antonio, and my hope is that whatever legal disputes currently exist, that they are resolved in a timely manner so as not to impact the Philharmonic’s ability to continue to perform for San Antonio residents.”