Issue: May 2014
As has been true over the past two years, the Minnesota Orchestral Association (MOA) played its most recent decision close to the vest. That may be because the outcome remained unpredictable. Ever since productive negotiations began in earnest last December, we were told that the steps needed to mend a broken organization would have to follow a sequence. And indeed, the three foundational bricks … [Read more...]
Issue: May 2014
During the summer of 2013 it became increasingly clear to the management and board of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra that there would be a substantial operating deficit for the 2012–2013 fiscal year (which ended on August 31). This was due in large part to the withdrawal of several major annual gifts that functioned as bridge funding. A large annual deficit would be a problem in and of itself; … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2013
Within the past few months, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra negotiated a new three-year contract, launched its music and wellness website, and completed its fortieth major tour. Pittsburgh delegate Penny Brill reports on the developments. In June the PSO ratified a new contract that calls for a 4% raise the first year, a freeze the second, and a 3% raise in the third. The increases were … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2013
On April 29, 2013, after 17 months of negotiations, the musicians of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra ratified a “return to work” agreement, effective April 30 through June 30, 2013, and a three-year agreement spanning July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2016. This ratification came after a 191-day lockout during which the musicians received no salary or benefits. It was the first work stoppage in the … [Read more...]
Issue: November 2012
Chicago Symphony Orchestra by Steve Lester, Members Committee Chairman The contentious and stalled negotiations between the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association and the musicians of the CSO, represented by the Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208, resulted in a brief strike that affected only one service, a concert on Saturday, September 22. A new contract was agreed to on Monday, … [Read more...]
Issue: May 2012
In August the musicians of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra wrapped up negotiations resulting in a three-year contract through the end of the 2013–2014 season. The current season was reduced from 41 weeks to 40 weeks while maintaining a freeze in overall salary. In the following two seasons the musicians will receive raises of 4% and 3.75%, respectively. Health benefits were not a part of the … [Read more...]
Issue: May 2012
Louisville Orchestra musicians voted to return to work under a bridge contract that allows for binding arbitration, a reduction to 57 orchestra members, and a compromise on sick leave and vacation leave. Orchestra committee chair Kim Tichenor said that the agreement would not have been possible without the efforts of Louisville Metro Council President Jim King. With oversight by King, the … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2011
This has been a time of significant change for the Utah Symphony. After a three-year international search, Thierry Fischer was engaged as our music director. The Swiss-born conductor has inspired the orchestra and reignited enthusiasm for the Utah Symphony throughout the community. He is an energetic and dynamic leader with vision. It has also been a transitional time for us, as there has been … [Read more...]
Issue: March 2011
The economy was in the tank, and we were at a very, very low point in terms of financial stability due to our previous administration. Six positions remained unfilled by mutual agreement to avoid financial catastrophe. It was not a pretty picture. As in every negotiation, our negotiating committee began by taking a survey. The results of that survey were disheartening to several of us, but we … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2010
On November 16, the musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony ratified a new two-year agreement that represents a step backward. It reduces their season by 7 weeks in the first year, from 52 weeks to 45, with 46 weeks in the second year. Delegate George Dimitri reports that musicians were successful in defending against a change to their peer review (artistic dismissal appeals) process. These … [Read more...]
