Waco Symphony Negotiations Continue

Negotiations are underway with the Waco Symphony Association, as a one year extension of the orchestra’s previous collective bargaining agreement will expire at the end of this month. After surveying the orchestra’s players and preparing opening proposals, the Negotiation Team met with Management in early May. 

Through summer months, Management prepared for the upcoming 2023-24 season and considered proposals brought to them through the negotiations. Negotiation Sessions resumed in August and continued through the fall with both parties discussing and exchanging proposals for wage increases as well as working conditions for the musicians. At present, Waco Symphony Musicians are working under an extended contract from the previous season, with an agreement with the Association that any increases agreed upon will be retroactively applied.

Talks are expected to resume shortly after the beginning of 2024.

In the context of this negotiation, the WSO has been experiencing institutional change with the appointment of a new executive director in recent years, and has also begun a search for a new Music Director.

Musicians serving on the negotiation team consist of Players’ Committee Members Kristin Mortenson,  Kim Hagelstein, Nicole Paglialonga, Dwight Anderson and Kyp Green, working with Local 72-147 President Stewart Williams. “It is a time for change with the Waco Symphony, and the musicians are working to move into a new era of engagement and progress ,” says Local 72-147 President Stewart Williams.