The Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) negotiations have concluded, and the new collective bargaining agreement has been ratified by the musicians.
It took some time, it took some hard work, and there were some rough patches, but we got it done. The new agreement runs through August 31, 2029.
There will be pay raises for both core musicians and per-service musicians. Some other results include strengthening of leave procedures, non-renewal provisions, audition procedure, and clarification of the tenure process. In addition, medical coverage will continue to be offered for the duration of the contract.
My most heartfelt thanks go out to members of the orchestra who served as the negotiating committee: Brad Davis (chair), Chris Cabrera (vice chair), Lisa Stoneham, Kim Kiyabu, and Tommy Morrison.
Also, a huge thanks to Barbara Jaccoma, our legal counsel; Randall Whatley, our negotiations consultant; and Henry Fogel, who mediated in the final stages.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of the musicians’ role in deciding and directing their futures. The union is not magic. Musicians’ support is needed make things happen. They did an excellent job.”
Speaking of the future, let me put in a few words about pension. Freelancers especially are not covered by any sort of collective bargaining agreement, like the Hawai’i Symphony or Diamond Head Theatre, and as such, you will not receive pension contributions, unless you file contracts for your gigs. It may be easier at the moment to just play your gig and get cash or a check, but in the long run, you’re missing out on a back-end payment in your twilight years. It’s not that hard to file a contract, and that’s one of the reasons your union is here for you. Call us at (808) 596-2121.
Aloha for now,
James F. Moffitt
From the Fall 2026 issue, Ke Ola O Na Mele