Manhattan School of Music Precollege Faculty Wrap Up Week-Long Strike

Pre-college Instructors at Manhattan School of Music are wrapping up a week-long strike today, after walking off the job to demand a contract with fair wages and sustainable working conditions that would bring pay rates in line with peer institutions. Instructors, who are hourly employees who do not receive benefits, have been working under an expired contract for almost 5 months.

ARTS-MSM members are highly skilled musicians who teach pre-college music students—helping them prepare for concerts, performances, and admissions to college music programs. They dedicate themselves to providing exceptional instruction to students ranging from 5 to 18 years of age, laying the foundation for preforming arts in the city. The college’s conduct is disrespectful to both union members and the NYC labor and performing arts community.

Despite the bitter cold, the picket line was packedon Saturday as members were joined by union siblings, supporters, and elected officials. Check out more about the strike from NY1 and ABC 7, sign a petition telling MSM to sign a contract that meets basic industry standards here, and follow the ARTS MSM union here and here for updates and more ways to support!