NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 1996--San Francisco Symphony Orchestra members will leaflet outside Carnegie hall, then play inside, as they begin a three-week international tour that could be interrupted by a strike.
The contract between the musicians and the San Francisco Symphony expires on November 23 when the orchestra is scheduled to play in Vienna.
One of three major orchestras now in contract disputes with management, the San Francisco musicians will ask the audience to hold up cards during applause following the final piece to show support for America's symphony musicians.
"America's symphony orchestras are under attack," reads the leaflet to be distributed. "Our fellow musicians in Philadelphia and Atlanta are on strike and the Cleveland Orchestra is playing without a contract. The New York Philharmonic settled only after a bitter, prolonged dispute."
At issue are union demands for increased wages and benefits to match orchestras in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Musicians are seeking changes in scheduling to reduce injuries suffered as a result of performances being clustered together.
Fifteen players have undergone surgeries to correct injuries in recent years. The San Francisco Symphony claims a $1.1 million operating deficit. Yet, its endowment increased 27 percent this year to $80 million. Revenues, attendance and ticket prices are up.
Director Peter Pastreich was paid $332,000 in 1994 and music director Michael Tilson Thomas' undisclosed earnings are estimated to be well over $1 million a year.
Musicians say that management's tough stance is part of a strategy to cap labor costs by the national American Symphony and Opera League, and has led to strikes now underway in Atlanta and Philadelphia. The San Francisco Orchestra has voted to strike, if necessary. The strike could occur during their European tour. Leaflets have also been printed in French and German.
For more information, refer to below contacts. Frances Jeffrey, a violin player, chairs the negotiating committee. Attorney Phil Sipser is the chief negotiator for the players who are members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 6.
CONTACT:
Delacorte/Shinoff Public Relations
Toni Delacorte/Paul Shinoff, 415/495-1991
or
Frances Jeffrey, 212/586-7000 (musician, NY Hilton)
Phil Sipser, 212/252-0072 (negotiator)
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