The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) announced on August 28, 2024, the ratification of a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the musicians of the orchestra; the musicians are represented by the Musicians’ Association of Metropolitan Baltimore, Local 40-543 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). This marks the second consecutive three-year agreement between the MSO and its musicians, underscoring the strong and positive relationship between the organization and the dedicated artists who bring its performances to life.

The newly ratified contract guarantees an annual wage increase of 12% over the life of the agreement for the musicians. This significant agreement reflects the MSO's commitment to providing fair compensation and a supportive working environment for its musicians, while also ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality performances to audiences across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Jeffrey Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, expressed his enthusiasm for the successful negotiations, stating, "Reaching this agreement is a moment of great pride for our organization. It is a reflection of the deep respect and appreciation we hold for our musicians, whose talent and dedication are the heartbeat of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony. We are thrilled to have secured a contract that meets the needs of our musicians while positioning the orchestra for continued growth and artistic excellence. This agreement is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our relationship with the AFM, and we look forward to an exciting future together."

The contract ratification follows a series of constructive discussions between MSO leadership, the musicians who make up the Players' Committee, and a representative of AFM Local 40-543. The parties worked diligently to ensure that the agreement not only supports the financial well-being of the musicians but also fosters a collaborative and forward-looking environment within the orchestra.

Mary Plaine, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 40-543, praised the process and the outcome, noting, "We are deeply appreciative of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra for their commitment to a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, both at the bargaining table and within the organization as a whole. This new contract is a reflection of the mutual respect and shared goals that have guided our negotiations. It ensures that our musicians will continue to be valued and supported as they bring their extraordinary talents to the MSO audiences.”

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra has long been recognized for its outstanding contributions to the cultural life of the Delmarva Peninsula, offering a diverse range of performances that span classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and educational outreach programs. This new contract further solidifies the orchestra's ability to attract and retain top-tier musicians, ensuring that it remains a cultural beacon for years to come.

As the MSO embarks on another exciting season, audiences can look forward to a dynamic lineup of concerts that showcase the artistry and passion of its musicians. From timeless symphonic works to innovative newer compositions, the orchestra remains committed to enriching the cultural fabric of the communities it serves. Further information about the MSO can be found at https://midatlanticsymphony.org.

Congratulations to the MSO Players’ Committee, who did the heavy lifting — surveying the orchestra, preparing the proposals, representing their colleagues at the bargaining table —Nick Mazziott, Kimberly McCollum, Anne Nye, Cameron Raecke, and Chair Luis Engelke.

A musician who is hired to work for an employer who has a collective bargaining agreement with Local 40-543 is required to be a member in good standing with The Musicians' Association of Metropolitan Baltimore as long as they work for that employer. Employers who have contracts with Local 40-543 are the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Center Stage, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Everyman Theatre, Hippodrome/Broadway Across America, and now the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra.

In order to be a member in good standing of Local 40-543, a musician's membership dues must be current. A member is suspended when their dues are unpaid for three months and expelled when their dues remain unpaid for six months. Please keep your dues current before our late fees and reinstatement fees.

Annual dues are $170 for a Regular Member, $76 for a Life Member and $70 for an Inactive Life Member. If a musician prefers to pay their dues quarterly, those amounts are $45 for a Regular Member, $21 for a Life Member and $19 for an Inactive Life Member.

In order to qualify as a Life Member, a musician must be 65 years of age AND be a member of Local 40-543 for 35 consecutive years.

Annual or quarterly dues can be paid by check or through the Local's website. If paying by check, please make the check payable to "Local 40-543 AFM" and send it to Local 40-543 AFM, 1055 Taylor Avenue #218, Baltimore, MD 21286. Annual or quarterly dues can also be paid through the Local's website with a credit card. Another option is to have automatic payment of dues made through a bank account.

There is a service fee charged for paying dues online. The service fee is currently 4.5%.

If a musician works under one of the collective bargaining agreements listed above, the employer deducts work dues of 2.5% from wages and remits the work dues to Local 40-543. Most of this money stays in Baltimore to help Local 40-543 provide services to its members; a percentage is passed on to the Federation in New York.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO TEMPO

When paying annual or quarterly dues, please consider sending some additional money and making a contribution to TEMPO, the legislative and political fund that helps support members of Congress on all sides of the aisle who are friends of working musicians. TEMPO helped get the legislation passed earlier this year that saved the AFM-Employers' Pension Fund, and TEMPO is now working to support the American Music Fairness Act, which will, in part, ensure that performers are compensated when their songs are played on terrestrial radio. Contributions to TEMPO are not tax deductible.

If you are paying your dues by check, please consider sending an additional $10, $20, or $30 for TEMPO along with your dues. If you are paying your dues online, please do so here: >https://www.afm.org/what-we-are-doing/tempo/.

And if you have any questions. . . .

Please call the office at 410-337-7277 or send an email to .