On August 7, 2024, the Grand Rapids Symphony (GRS) and the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians (AFM Local 56) ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement that runs from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.
It is rare for our contract to be settled weeks in advance of the expiration date, which was August 31, 2024. We are pleased to say that these negotiations were non-adversarial, cordial, and productive. This agreement includes the largest wage increases in years, improvements in the tiered contract structure, and a new system for tenure procedures and feedback.
GRSMA’s Negotiation Committee co-chairs Jenna Anderson Buchner (https://www.grsmusiciansassociation.com/jenna-anderson-profile) and Will Preece (https://www.grsmusiciansassociation.com/musician-profiles-will-and-jo-preece) report that “The negotiation committee is pleased with what we were able to achieve in this contract, resulting from the mutual goal of continued growth that is shared by our musicians and management. Substantial salary increases, expansion of health benefits and family leave, and a narrowing of the differences between contract levels will all make a strong impact in the lives of our musicians. We look forward to working with GRS management in the future to continue this positive growth, expanding our ability to engage with our community.”
GRS President/CEO Keith Elder stated "I am very proud that the entire approach of both management and musicians was positive and respectful, and that the board approved the new contract without reservations. We’re extremely fortunate to have musicians, staff, and board members who share a vision of a flourishing symphony that will serve this community for the long term." (https://www.grsmusiciansassociation.com/meet-keith-elder-the-new-grs)
Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians President Bennie Keys added "Local 56 is pleased with the ratification of the musicians' contract with the Grand Rapids Symphony for the next three seasons. We aimed for an agreement that reflected the exciting expansion of our city, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of the GRS." (https://www.grsmusiciansassociation.com/bennie-keys-interview)
In addition to thanking co-chairs Jenna Anderson Buchner and Will Preece for their work and leadership for this contract, GRSMA extends our appreciation to the rest of the 2024 Negotiation Committee: Jacob Cameron, Haijin Choi, Dave Hall, Adam Liebert, and Andrew Plaisier. We also thank ISCOM counsel Kevin Case for his invaluable expertise and support during the negotiating process. (https://www.grsmusiciansassociation.com/general-8-1)