from the management of the Oregon Symphony, Sept.12

LOCAL #99 REJECTS SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION PROPOSAL; IMPASSE FORCES CANCELLATION OF ANDRE WATTS CONCERTS SCHEDULED FOR SEPT. IS, 16 AND 17

Local #99 of the American Federation of Musicians rejected the Oregon Symphony Association's latest proposal today, causing an impasse in contract negotiations which has forced the cancellation of the season-opening Classical Applause concerts with Andre Watts scheduled for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 15, 16 and 17. The performance scheduled Sept. 18 at Salem's Willamette University also is cancelled.

The Symphony Association's latest three-year proposal maintains the orchestra's pension at 8.5 percent for all three years, and features a 6.5 percent wage increase, as well as fully paid family health coverage (with no deductible for those who stay within the provider network). It also offers a potential bonus pool of up to $100,000 per year based on exceeding projected ticket income in years two and three of the contract.

"When the negotiations began, we did not foresee an ability to offer a growth contract," said Symphony President Don Roth. "Because both sides have been creative in providing for new sources of revenue, we were able to propose a growth contract which allowed us to remain fiscally responsible. Unfortunately the musicians are unwilling to temper their expectations with the Symphony's challenging financial realities. I regret the impasse forces cancelling the Andre Watts concerts. No other concerts are affected at this time."

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