Facts About Our Ongoing Collective Bargaining Negotiations

As Central City Opera continues negotiations to reach a new collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Musical Artists, we want to be sure our patrons, donors, artists, supporters and the broader arts community knows the facts about our position in these matters.

We’re disappointed by unfounded assertions being made by some AGMA leaders and members, some of whom have never performed at or been employed by CCO.

As such, we’ve created this webpage to provide updates and factual information about the ongoing situation.

We’ve championed artists and the arts for 90 years

Throughout our history, the CCO has supported the talented performers and production staff who make our company what it is. Many artists, musicians and production staff have acknowledged how influential their CCO experience was in establishing their careers in the field.

We equitably compensate artists and staff

We have and will always pay our artists and production staff fairly and equitably. All CCO artists and production staff have been fully compensated for each production season per their contracts, and we pay all AGMA-represented artists at competitive rates that are nationally established by AGMA.

We’re advocates for young artists

We provide young and emerging artists with opportunities to launch their careers – and many have gone on to significant success and acclaim in the arts. We also have one of the longest-standing young artist programs in the country, giving emerging artists high-profile paid opportunities in our productions, providing them with housing and mentoring them throughout their time with us.

We’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion

As part of our 5-year strategic planning process, we’re working with a leading DEI consulting firm, The Equity Project, to develop an actionable blueprint for us to increase and expand diversity, inclusion and equity across the company.

We don’t tolerate harassment or discrimination

We have policies and reporting procedures to protect everyone on staff from harassment and discrimination. We contract with an outside HR firm to independently investigate any allegations shared with our organization.