The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the Metropolitan Opera. This agreement, ratified by AGMA leadership on June 23, 2025, includes several changes affecting various working groups within the opera.
One of the key features is across-the-board wage increases. The agreement also introduces new job security measures for the Regular Chorus, ensuring they perform all choral roles except under specific circumstances. Additionally, covers are now assured full fees if replaced at the last minute by an outside Principal.
Full-time Solo Singers, Stage Managers, and Stage Directors will see an increase in their Compensated Time Off (CTO). Stage Managers will have their guaranteed weeks increased from 38 to 40. Sick leave provisions have been expanded for Regular Chorus members, Staff Performers, and Extra Chorus members.
Dancers and Extra Choristers are given new protections regarding rehearsal dates. They will receive minimum call pay if such dates are canceled or changed. Returning Dancers will have priority auditions for new productions.
Staff Performers will benefit from a rise in weekly base pay and annual media pay.
The contract highlights include:
– Permanent wage increases of 2.5% across the board.
– Additional one-year sunsetting wage increases of 2.5%.
– Higher weekly rates for revival Stage Directors.
– Increased weekly base pay for Staff Performers from $797 to $1,000.
– Annual media pay for staff performers raised from $750 to $1,000.
– A one-time Advanced Planning fee guarantee of $4,500 for revival Stage Directors ($3,000 for ASDs in new productions).
Job security measures guarantee Soloist Covers their full fee if bypassed last minute in favor of an outside Principal. Regular Chorus members have new job security language ensuring they perform all choral roles at the Met unless specified otherwise.
Additional guarantees include paid minimum calls for Extra Choristers and Dancers asked to hold specific rehearsal dates that get canceled or changed. Priority auditions will be held for Dancers who previously worked at the Met before others auditioning for new productions.
In terms of leave and time off, CTO has been increased for certain roles while sick leave has been modified to include rehearsal hours where applicable. Two extra days of sick pay have been added for Staff Performers.
Administrative changes involve how Principals are billed on the Met website and elimination of some annual payroll deductions for full-time artists.
This agreement marks significant wins across all working groups involved with the Metropolitan Opera over its one-year term.
