SSOPO Reaches Tentative Agreement with Symphony and Opera Management

The Seattle Symphony and Opera Players’ Organization (SSOPO) today announced that a tentative contract agreement has been reached after 15 months of negotiations with the Symphony and Opera managements. The musicians of the SSOPO are scheduled to vote on May 14th to ratify the new contract, which addresses salary, pension and benefits, improves working conditions and includes a new media agreement. The term of the agreement extends through August 31, 2015.

“The Musicians of the Seattle Symphony orchestra persevered through these lengthy negotiations because we saw the potential benefit for the entire Seattle Symphony family,” said Tim Hale, chair of the SSOPO. “We were able to address our respective concerns in creative and affirming ways that move the institution forward. With this new agreement, we are pleased to demonstrate our good faith to lovers of classical orchestral music and to the donor community. The musicians have spoken; we want excellence, music education for our children, a vital connection to our community, and stability for the Seattle Symphony. We expect that this new collective bargaining agreement will lay an aspirational foundation for continuing the excellence that Symphony musicians, concertgoers, and the community expect.”

The musicians’ committee is recommending that the members of the SSOPO pass the agreement. Passage requires a majority of votes from the musicians. Details about the new contract remain confidential until it has been ratified.

The musicians of the Seattle Symphony and Opera consistently go above and beyond regularly scheduled performances to support the community, including complimentary public concerts, fundraising for Seattle Music Partners and coaching orchestral students throughout the Puget Sound area.