Quebec City, January 18, 2023 - The musicians of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec adopted an agreement in principle with the Orchestra last week by a clear majority. This negotiation process represented a turning point for the Orchestra's sustainability and future. Indeed, the musicians had been facing a virtual freeze in their salaries since their last collective agreement signed in 2015 and were hoping to obtain a salary catch-up so that they could earn a decent living. Considering that inflation alone was 6.1% for 2022 alone, it is clear that the 2015 wages were no longer sufficient for musicians to live decently. This new collective agreement allows musicians to achieve the key goals they set for themselves in this negotiation. The agreement will be retroactive to 2020 and will run through 2024.
"We are pleased with the tentative agreement that came about last week. For us, it is definitely a step in the right direction. This new collective agreement will finally bring us in line with the salary conditions of our colleagues working for other comparable organizations in Quebec City. The Orchestre symphonique de Québec understands the importance of improving musician retention in order to ensure its sustainability in the coming years.
-Mélanie Forget, president of the Association des musiciens et musiciennes de l'Orchestre symphonique de Québec (AMMOSQ)
"It is at the heart of our mission to support musicians so that they can benefit from respectable working conditions that reflect the time, effort and work they put into their passion, which is also their profession. We are proud to have been able to support the musicians of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec throughout this period of negotiations to reach an agreement that will improve their working conditions.
- Luc Fortin, President of the Local 406 of the Canadian Federation of Musicians, la Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ)
A new conductor welcomed with enthusiasm
The musicians are eager to play again under the direction of the new conductor of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Mr. Clemens Schuldt, tonight. This experienced musician is welcomed as a breath of fresh air by the musicians. The position of conductor has been vacant since the end of the 2020-2021 season.
About the Local 406 of the AFM, la Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ)
The mission of the Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ) is to recognize the value of music and the indispensable contribution of professional musicians to society by representing and defending their artistic, social and economic interests. To achieve this, it negotiates collective agreements and provides its members with a standard contract of employment. In particular, the GMMQ establishes the minimum working conditions of musicians and acts collectively on behalf of its members when it considers that their interests are affected.
For more information
Laurence Gagnon
TACT
Cell : 418-690-9716
lgagnon@tactconseil.ca
Source
Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ), local 406 of the Canadian Federation of Musicians
