Milwaukee Symphony

On April 28, 2009, the musicians of the Milwaukee Symphony ratified a four-year agreement that runs from September 1, 2009 and continues through August 31, 2013.

	[2008-09]	2009-10	2010-11	2011-12	2012-13
LENGTH OF SEASON	[40 wks]	39 wks	39 wks	39 wks	40 wks
*WAGES
Annual Salary	[ $60,000]	$54,600	$55,185	$58,500	$63,500
Weekly Salary	[$1,480]	$1,380	$1,395	$1,480	$1,555/$1,580 20 wks / 20 wks
EMG: remains $20/wk
PENSION (AFM-EPF)	[8%] [4% subs/extras]	6.5% 5%	6.5% 5%	6.5% 5%	7% 5%
SENIORITY (per week/per year & annual)
5-9 yrs. (weekly)	[$14.78]	$14.78	$14.78	$14.78	1%
10-14 yrs. (weekly)	[$22.15]	$22.15	$22.15	$22.15	1.5%
15-19 yrs. (weekly)	[$29.55]	$29.55	$29.55	$29.55	2%
20-25 yrs. (weekly)	[$36.95]	$36.95	$36.95	$36.95	2.5%
25+ yrs. (weekly)	[$44.33]	$44.33	$44.33	$44.33	3%

INSURANCE:

Health – Premium-sharing in the 2011-12 and 20012-13seasons increase from the current yearly payments of $400/$800 (individual/family) to $500/$1,000 if the premium rate increases more than 10% over the previous season.

The reimbursement pool increases from $150,000 to $250,000 in year 1, to $285,000 in year 2, $320,000 in year 3 and $350,000 in year 4. This will be converted from the current practice of “first-come, first-serve” group pool to individual HRAs.

Long-Term Disability – maximum monthly payment increases from $5,000 to $6,000

TRAVEL:

Sound check rehearsals shall be allowed only for the Music Director.
Room-sharing reimbursement rate while on tour increased from $10 to 30% of room rate.

PER DIEM:

[2008-09]	2009-10	2010-11	2011-12	2012-13
[$46]	$54	$56	$58	$60

AUDITIONS:

Principal strings to sit on all auditions for principal strings.
Committee member honoraria increased from $75 to $100 per day.
Screens in first round of final auditions.
Management will consult with orchestra committee and union prior to scheduling auditions for positions where the musician’s tenure would be considered by a successor music director.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Breaks increase from 15 to 20 minutes.
9-service weeks will be reduced from 6 to 4 in 2011-12 and 2012-13, and no more than two 9-service weeks may be scheduled in a row.
Sound shields are guaranteed upon request, subject to availability.
Reduction in number of musicians required to be on call for reduced orchestra services.
Back-to-back youth concert scheduling has been reduced from 3 hours to 2.5 hours.
Accrual and use of personal days from year to year was improved.
[NEW] Experimental compressed rehearsal schedule on double-rehearsal days for the new music director.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Music Director may not terminate or demote any musician during their first and last season (previously no termination in final season only).
Increased severance pay for musicians terminated for artistic inadequacy.
[NEW] Language protecting the right of musicians to not cross picket lines.
Increased number of unexcused absences per season before management may terminate a musician.
Limitations on management’s ability to offer individual raises until year 4.
Leaves of absence and return to the orchestra have been improved to allow 2-year leave (previously only 1).
Move-up pay and the right to move to a titled position have been improved.
Third wind overscale increased.
Solo fees and honorariums increased.
The unpaid shutdown week in the middle of each season is eliminated.

Thanks to the negotiating team: Ted Soluri, Chair; Bill Barnewitz, Roger Ruggeri, Laurie Shawger and Peter Szczepanek. Thanks also to Local #8 President Robert Levine and Secretary-Treasurer David Lussier and Attorney Susan Martin. Special thanks to mediator Peter Pasterich, whose assistance was indispensable.

This bulletin was prepared by ICSOM Secretary, Laura Ross with the assistance of the Milwaukee Symphony ICSOM Delegate, Robert Levine.

Milwaukee Ratifies 4-Year Agreement