Nashville Symphony, musicians union strike 4-year labor deal

The Nashville Symphony has struck a four-year labor pact with the local musicians union that will see regular pay raises and add two members to the orchestra.

The new contract includes a 3.5 percent raise to musicians' base salaries for the upcoming season, a 3.75 percent increase next season and a 4.25 percent bump each of the last two years of the deal.

The newly ratified deal adds a first violin this year and a cellist next year, which will bring the orchestra to 83 members.

Five years ago, the Symphony was entrenched in heavy debt and financial turmoil. Because of those financial issues, the Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257, made concessions. The new labor deal's pay raises reflects the financial rebound the Symphony has enjoyed since then.

"Our musicians are at the core of everything we do at the Nashville Symphony, and they are invaluable assets to the entire Middle Tennessee community," Symphony board chairman Mark Peacock said. "I am proud that we've achieved this important agreement, which affirms the value of our orchestra's hard work and dedication."

Union president Dave Pomeroy said he was pleased to reach a successful conclusion to the negotiations.

"This contract helps bring these excellent musicians' compensation closer to their high level of artistic achievement, and we are proud to represent them as we move forward together," Pomeroy said.

Nashville Symphony violinist Laura Ross, the union's steward, said the new deal covers issues related to workload, working conditions in addition to the financial package.

"These negotiations were efficient and collegial," she said.