San Francisco Symphony Extends Musicians’ Current Collective Bargaining Agreement

The temporary extension will allow the symphony and its musicians more time to negotiate a new contract for the coming months

The San Francisco Symphony (SFS) and its musicians have agreed to extend their current collective bargaining agreement through January 18, 2025, maintaining all existing terms and conditions, reported the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Represented by the Musicians Union Local 6 of the American Federation of Musicians, the orchestra players are aiming to finalize a new contract with SFS management for early next year. 

This news comes amid the orchestra’s ongoing financial crisis, which has seen budget cuts and the resulting departure of SFS Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, who chose not to renew his contract after a single term; the search for his successor is still in the early stages. 

Led by its CEO Matthew Spivey, SFS leadership cites the sustainability of the organization as a reason for cuts to funding. 

With a projected $12.5 million deficit for the next fiscal year, the board emphasized scaling back while facing other challenges including rising operational costs, declining donor support, and a competitive talent market. 

The musicians have argued that the board’s budget cuts negatively impact the morale and artistic vision that has been the centerpiece of SFS. Additionally, the SFS Chorus recently staged a strike and reiterated that their wages have yet to be restored to pre-pandemic levels. 

As stated in the SF Chronicle, both the musicians union and SFS leaders declined to comment further as their negotiations continue. They are currently discussing key issues such as salary cuts and the direction of the orchestra’s programming. 

(Photo credit: Brandon Patoc/SFS)