John Coleman, Co-Chair of the Met AGMA Negotiating Committee, and Annie Hollister, Counsel for the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their new one-year contract with the Metropolitan Opera.
AGMA's negotiating team employed a unique strategy while negotiationg for a new contract, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths. Coleman explained how the union's diverse membership, including opera singers, dancers and staging staff, developed a comprehensive list of proposals. This collaborative effort, facilitated by Zoom meetings and AI-assisted tools, allowed the union to present a united front during negotiations, a first in their history.
Coleman and Hollister the explained how the AGMA’s lobbying efforts were crucial in securing financial support for the Met. Coleman detailed how AGMA partnered with other unions and the Metropolitan Opera to advocate for a $10 million line item in the New York state budget. Their campaign, which included letter-writing and in-person lobbying, ultimately resulted in a $5 million grant for the Met's operating budget. This success, they said, showcased the power of collaboration between labor and management, setting a positive tone for future negotiations.
Finally, Hollister addressed the challenges facing the performing arts industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized the importance of public funding and individual donations to support opera companies, which typically operate at a deficit due to high production costs. The one-year contract will allow both parties to reassess the financial situation and provide an opportunity to test new provisions before entering into long-term agreements.
To hear more about AGMA's approach to contract negotiations, listen to the full episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast.