FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October23, 1996
CONTACT: Elaine Powell Cook, (404) 733-4847 (Atlanta Symphony management)
ATLANTA -- A continuing musicians' strike called by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) musicians, members of the American Federation of Musicians (AF of M), Local 148-462, has forced the cancellation of all ASO concerts scheduled through October 27. The concerts affected include Discovery Concerts for kids on October 23 and 24, Halloween-themed Champagne and Coffee Concerts entitled "Ghosts, Goblins, and Goodies" on October 25 at 8 p.m. and October 26 at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., as well as the kids' Halloween Concert on October 27 at 1:30 p.m.
Contract talks between the negotiating parties resumed on Monday, October 21; however, the musicians rejected the new board proposal mid-day today. A brief synopsis of the proposal offered the musicians includes: a guaranteed minimum of 95 full-time musicians in the Orchestra; a salary increase in the second and third years of 2% each in the three-year contract; maintaining the current two-year probationary period for newly-hired musicians; and acceptance of the pension plan designed by the AF of M.
In addition, the proposal agreed to new language for artistic assessment, consultation, and working conditions affecting musician morale. The board dropped several issues that have been incumbenng negotiations, such as the board's proposal to expand educational and outreach programs and increase flexibility in scheduling additional run-out concerts to raise more revenue for the Orchestra, among others.
"While we are encouraged by the recent return to the negotiating table, we are disappointed that the musicians rejected this fair and reasonable offer," said ASO Board Chairman Alan Gayer. "Considerable concessions, unanimously agreed upon by the full board, have been made on our part. We hope that the musicians will reconsider their position so that an agreement can be reached soon. In the meantime, our patrons are being denied concerts in one of our most innovative seasons ever."
Cancelled performances cannot be rescheduled. If the musicians choose to return to work and negotiations continue, the concerts will resume as long as there is sufficient time to rehearse the program and notify ticketholders. Patrons holding tickets for these cancelled concerts have been sent a letter detailing the following options for handling unused tickets: consider the value of the unused tickets as a tax-deductible contribution to the ASO, providing a much-needed source of support; exchange tickets for future 1996-97 concerts -- all exchange fees will be waived; exchange the value of the unused seats for ticket vouchers in the same amount, which can be used to obtain tickets for performances through July, 1997; or request a refund in the amount paid for any cancelled concerts.
Patrons are encouraged to hold onto their tickets until an agreement has been reached. At that time, patrons will receive a notification letter and a Cancelled Concert Action Form by mail. A prepaid, selfaddressed envelope will be enclosed for patrons to return the form with their cancelled concert tickets to the WoodruffArts Center Box Office. For questions regarding handling unused tickets, patrons should call the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at (404) 733-5000.
If additional cancellations occur, the ASO will notify patrons in writing as quickly as possible. The same ticket options listed above will apply to any future cancellations. Patrons should call the ASO Concert Hotlines at (404) 733-4265 and (404) 733-4949 for performance updates and concert information, or visit the ASO's website at www.atlantasymphony.org .
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