The Flint Institute of Music (FIM) and AFM Local 542, the union representing musicians in the Flint Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announced the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement this week.
The agreement was ratified on February 2, 2026, and reaffirms the shared commitments between FIM and the union to artistic excellence, organizational stability, and the musicians who perform for the Flint community.
The negotiation took longer than planned, but musicians continued to perform under the terms of the previous agreement so that programming for patrons and employment for musicians was not interrupted when the previous agreement expired. The newly agreed to contract includes improvements to working conditions and clarifies language in an effort to make sure the organization and performers are successful long-term.
“It was a long road to get here, but the FSO musicians see this agreement as a path forward to an even brighter future for the orchestra and our audiences,” said FSO musician Daniel Winnick in a news release. “I think our best days are yet to come.”
The new contract includes increases in pay for musicians, including retroactive pay, which will help continue to attract and retain talented musicians in Flint. The two sides also agreed on more clearly articulated and rigorous changes to audition procedures that are aimed a making the process more fair and transparent at all levels.
The Flint Symphony Orchestra is now in its second century of continuous performance, and is currently led by Enrique Diemecke, who is now in his 37th season as music director and conductor.
“The Flint Symphony Orchestra is at the heart of who we are as an organization,” said FIM president and CEO Rodney Lontine in a news release. “Our musicians are not only extraordinary artists, they are ambassadors for this community and part of a remarkable legacy. This contract allows us to move forward together, focused on what matters most: sharing great music and meaningful experiences with our community.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to catch up on all of our headlines every Tuesday.
