AGMA Artists at Ballet West have approved a new three-year agreement that introduces wage increases, enhanced workplace protections, and improvements to reimbursement policies and scheduling. The contract includes salary raises up to 18.75% in the first year, guarantees around Free Days, and expanded support for physical maintenance and performance-related expenses.
“Thank you to the negotiating committee and congratulations on this three-year agreement!”
The contract highlights include:
Wage Increases:
– Year 1: 4% – 18.75%
– Year 2: 5% – 5.5%
– Year 3: 4.5%
Additional Rate Increases:
– Extraordinary Risk: 8%
– Master Class: 8%
– Singing/Speaking Roles: 11%
– Choreographer Contracts: 10%
– Parking Reimbursements: 10%
– Per Diem Increases of $60/$60/$65 and $92 in high-cost touring locales
Reimbursements have been updated with a new performance make-up reimbursement up to $50 per season, an increase in shoe hardening reimbursements, and an increased physical maintenance allowance.
Other highlights include an increased notice timeline for changes to layoff weeks, Free Days, or work weeks; improved language for Performance Weeks ensuring artists cannot work more than seven consecutive days without a Free Day or additional compensation; live Anti-Discrimination/Harassment Training instead of online pre-recorded sessions; improved timelines for shoe distribution; and BW II Artists can now receive additional pairs of shoes when working with the company.
