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The 1996 Strike: Press Releases
December
4, 1996: From the ASO Management ATLANTA SYMPHONY PLAYERS, BOARD, AND MANAGEMENT REACH AGREEMENT TO END 10-WEEK MUSICIANS' STRIKE Holiday concerts will begin on schedule Dec. 5 ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra board, management, and musicians have agreed on a four-year contract. The contract includes guaranteed pay increases for the musicians and guaranteed size of the orchestra at 95 tenured players. The board has agreed to participate in the American Federation of Musicians Pension Plan and provide increases in seniority and leave of absence benefits. In announcing the agreement, Alan Gayer, chairman of the board of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra League, said, "This new contract forges a stronger link between musical excellence and financial responsibility. I am pleased that we have created a settlement that addresses our common objectives: preserving our orchestra for the future on a firm fiscal foundation, keeping the current scope of artistic activities and expanding community involvement. A great orchestra cannot live beyond its means and remain great." "With this agreement the board and management have committed to additional fund raising and ticket sales challenges. It is imperative that the community remain active in its support of the city's orchestra," continued Gayer. "One of our major challenges is to build audiences for our innovative seasons ahead. The new outreach program will bring classical music to diverse audiences," said Allison Vulgamore, president of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. "With the support of the community through increased attendance and a dedication to Annual Fund giving, the Orchestra's future is bright." Highlights of the contract are: Salary: The current contract calls for maintaining wages at last year's level of $1,110/wk in year one escalating over the final 3 years of the contract to $1202. In other words, wage freeze in first year, and guaranteed pay increases of 2% in the second year, 2% in the third year, and 4% in fourth year. Outreach: A pilot program in which musicians perform individually and in small groups in metro Atlanta schools. The objective is to build symphony audiences, offer an increased variety of orchestra services to the public and respond to the community's desire to have greater contact with the musicians. To that end, musicians will participate in the program as part of their annual employment responsibilities. The musicians also agreed to waive additional compensation for audio-visual broadcasts of full orchestra concerts into the school system. Pension: An agreement to fund the transition of the musician's pension plan from the Atlanta Symphony to a plan managed by the union - a pension plan that increases benefits to our musicians. The monthly contribution to the American Federation of Musicians pension plan is equal to 3.75% of weekly base scale (less electronic media guaranteed credit) beginning Sept. 1, 1997, 4% beginning Sept. 1, 1998, and 4% beginning Sept. 1, 1999. Work rules: Greater musician involvement in tour planning, re-seating, tenure review and artistic assessment. Music Director Yoel Levi contributed to the settlement in agreeing to the issue of revolving strings where everyone but titled players is allowed to move within his or her section. "This is a great day for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the City of Atlanta. I look forward to returning to these fine musicians in January. These have been challenging days for everyone who cares about this orchestra and now we will move forward to make wonderful music for years to come." "All parties worked diligently to come to a resolution in time to present the orchestra's annual holiday concerts to the public," continued Gayer. The orchestra resumes its 52nd season on Dec. 5 with Gospel Christmas, a jubilant and lively celebration by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the 150-member All-Atlanta Chorus. The complete holiday schedule is attached. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra League was represented at negotiations by ASO President Allison Vulgamore, General Manager George Alexsovich, and Personnel Manager Russell Williamson, with legal representation by John Skinner of the law firm Smith, Currie & Hancock. Representing the Orchestra were Doug Sommer, bass; Paul Murphy, viola; Michael Moore, tuba; and Stephen Wilson, trombone; Carolyn Hancock, violin; Carl Nitchie, bassoon; Mark Yancich, timpani; Christopher Rex, cello; and representing the American Federation of Musicians, Local 148-162, were President John Head and Secretary Nick Pennington. Their chief negotiator was labor attorney I. Phillip Sipser. 1996 The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra November
26, 1996: From the ASOPA ASO MUSICIANS TO RETURN FOR HOLIDAY CONCERTS IF MANAGEMENT AGREES TO ARBITRATION ATLANTA - The musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra voted this evening to return to Symphony Hall in time or the popular holiday concert season if the orchestra's management agrees to participate in final offer binding arbitration. The vote came after two days of contract negotiations between the musicians and management resulted in little significant progress. The negotiations were conducted by a federal mediator. The musicians went on strike in September after working four weeks without a contract. In final offer binding arbitration, both parties agree to make their case at a hearing before an impartial arbitrator and abide by the arbitrator's decision. If the orchestra's management agrees to arbitration, the musicians will return to their jobs immediately in order to save the holiday concerts. "Our desire has always been to ensure the future success of his orchestra and get back to work as quickly as possible," said Douglas Sommer, president of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Players Association. "In the sprit of the season, we are prepared to return to work immediately if management agrees to participate in final offer binding arbitration." The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is widely recognized as one of the top 10 orchestras in the country, but its wage scale ranks only 17th. The musicians seek modest benefits enhancements, including:
The musicians' latest proposal is for a four-year contract at 0-3-3-3% per year. Management is holding firm to 022 in the first 3 years, with a split 2-2-3-4- (av. 2.75%) in the 4th year (3 month increments.) Additionally, management has refused to consider the musicians' most modest compromise seniority pay increase of 50 cents per year of service, starting in year 3 of the contract. On the subject of Pension, management has agreed to join the AFM EP in year 2 at a cost of 3.75%, 4% and 4% ) There are still several unresolved non-economic issues as well. The ASO musicians cannot accept a 4-year contract with increases below the cost of living for all four years. Even though the monetary difference over four years between the two positions is minor, management has thus far been unwilling to provide any meaningful movement. Management has thus far refused to consider arbitration, because it "abrogates [their] fiduciary responsibilty."The musicians, and their counsel I. Philip Sipser, have left the door open for the managment to come to an agreement with them, whether through arbitration or by providing an acceptable offer at the table. It is fevently hoped that a serious effort at collective bargaining in either form will occur before the cancellation of all holiday concerts. Christmas without the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra?We need your help !Please call and urge the board and management to offer a proposal that will maintain our world-class orchestra, and thus bring a resolution to the present unfortunate conflict. A call from you can really make a difference. Please
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Email
the ASOPA at:
ASOPA@atlantabrass.com |
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