For Immediate Release
November 26, 1996
For more information, contact:
Doug Sommer o (404) 873-2033 or h (770) 353-8110
Rob Rickles o (404) 347-9050 ext. 205
ATLANTA - The musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra voted this evening to return to Symphony Hall in time for 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 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is internationally recognized, touring frequently throughout he United States and abroad. the orchestra has received numerous Grammy Awards for its recordings.
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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% (the difference in cost to management between 3.75% and 4% is only $6,000.)
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 farbeen 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.
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