PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- At a special Board meeting of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association (POA) today, the Board reaffirmed its belief that the contract offer made to the musicians on Sept. 13 was fair and competitive and underscored its commitment to balanced budgets going forward. The Board also endorsed a plan to take assertive steps to address the concerns of the striking musicians regarding prospects for future recording and broadcast opportunities.
Chairman Peter Benoliel invited union negotiating team members Jonathan Beiler and Albert Filosa to today's meeting as part of the Association's effort toward encouraging more open communication between musicians and Board members.
"It's important that the full Board have occasions such as this to hear the thoughts and concerns of the musicians first hand," said Benoliel. "The Board is as committed to maintaining continuing dialogue with all the musicians, as we are to insuring the long-term financial health of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association. Foundations and corporations simply will not contribute to an organization in debt."
Among other significant actions endorsed by the Board are the following initiatives:
-- Media Committee
Comprised of representatives from the Board, musicians and staff, this group -- to be immediately assembled -- would explore on an ongoing basis opportunities to generate additional electronic media activity and income to the Association and the musicians.
-- Musician meetings
The Board has agreed to pursue further open discussions among the Board, musicians and staff to facilitate an increased level of trust and understanding. Following exchanges at both the Sept. 18 Annual Meeting as well as today's special meeting, the Board feels it is imperative, within the parameters of the collective bargaining process, to continue to allow the musicians to express their views.
The musician's strike, now in its fourth week, came after the musicians rejected the Association's final contract offer, as well as several offers by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association to "play and talk."
SOURCE The Philadelphia Orchestra
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