Negotiations

New CBA for Lawton Musicians

September 1, 2024

On August 28, a new two year collective bargaining agreement was reached between Local 72-147 and the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) covering its musicians’ wages and working conditions. After many years of the LPO musicians working under Local 72-147 single engagement agreements from concert to concert, this represents a new step in the relationship between the LPO and the Musicians Union. 

After a troubled era of more than 15 years ago, financial conditions had caused the LPO to cease operations and its working under an older collective bargaining agreement with Local 72-147 had paused. After opening new negotiations to move forward, operations restarted with the good faith effort from both sides for the LPO to continue its performances with a union contractor hiring the orchestra using local single engagement CBAs on a per concert basis. Now beginning in the 2024-25 season the LPO has entered into a new collective bargaining agreement moving the relationship forward.

Per service rates have been increased by 6% over the term of the new agreement. Travel, hotel and per diem provisions are carried forward from previous practice and included in the new CBA, as well as pension benefits and work rules.

New in this agreement are audition procedures, media rights and provisions for grievance and arbitration for settling disputes over contract interpretation and enforcement.

“We are glad to take this step with the LPO as we move forward with organizing efforts to build and move forward the employment and working conditions for LPO musicians,” said Local 72-147 President Stewart Williams.