Detroit Symphony Orchestra
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and its 87 musicians yesterday announced the ratification of a new contract, more than eight months prior to the current contract’s expiration on August 31, 2017. The new three-year agreement includes a minimum scale increase totaling four percent over the previous contract, plus two additional performance weeks (38 weeks each season, up from 36), with total guaranteed compensation going from $91,259 in year three of current contract to $96,096 in year three of new contract. The contract also calls for a new, additional weekly stipend for musicians on non-performance, non-vacation weeks, which is partially offset by a reduction in unemployment costs. Additionally, the new agreement provides more flexible work rules in certain performance weeks and more cost sharing of health insurance premium increases.
