The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. has announced that a new agreement has been reached with the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, as the Kennedy Center faces financial challenges resulting from its mandated closure due to the pandemic. The NSO musicians have agreed to a restructure of their current contract with payroll savings of nearly 35 percent (over $2.5 million) through early September, as well as further savings realized through a wage freeze in the 2020-21 season and delayed wage increases for the duration of the contract. NSO musicians and management have also agreed to form a joint working group to discuss alternative ways to share new and archived NSO content during the closure. The Kennedy Center states that the new agreement and previously announced administrative staff furloughs and pay reductions through May 10, plus $25 million in federal CARES Act funding, are designed to ensure the Kennedy Center will be able to re-open and re-employ its artistic and administrative staff. The Kennedy Center will continue to cover healthcare benefits for all furloughed employees during this time. The NSO Musicians’ current four-year contract, which went into effect in September 2019, will now extend through September 2024.
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