On September 28, 2009, the musicians of the Oregon Symphony ratified a modification and 1-year extension of their existing agreement that runs from September 3, 2009 through May 25, 2011.
This was a difficult negotiation with a split Board and the looming threat of Chapter 7. The combination of an $8 million accumulated deficit and a credit line that was “maxed out” forced the musicians into concessions. Again, as in the past several negotiations, the assistance of a Federal Mediator was necessary to reach a settlement.
LENGTH OF SEASON: [WAS: 41 weeks] Becomes 38 weeks
| WAGES: | [2008-09] | 200-10 | 2010-11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Salary: | [$42,737.94] | $42,989.78 | CPI-U - US city average from July09-July10 (min. 1%/max. 3%) |
| Weekly Salary: | [$1,120.10] | $1,131.31 |
EMG: Increases from $553 to $602 per season
AFM-EPF: Reduced from 8.5% to 4%
INSURANCE: Change in provider from Healthnet PPO/Kaiser HMO – individual choice to Kaiser Basic HMO or Kaiser Plus with the availability of a PPO and out of network at additional cost. The Employer will continue to pay 100% of premiums but with slightly higher co-pays and deductible. Should a musician not participate in the Employer-provided policy, the amount paid to each musician increases from $1,500 to $3,000 per year.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Personal leave language was modified to assure all leave denials are forwarded to the Local and to insert a two-week time period for a denial appeal process.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- With the exception of 3rd oboe/English horn, all other auditions may be deferred to the 2010-11 season at the discretion of the Association.
- Non-renewal language was modified to lower the number of musicians from 4 to 3 per season that may face the non-renewal process; the number of musicians on the Review Panel voting to override the Music Director changes from a unanimous vote of 9 to 7 during the 2009-10 season and to 6 during the 2010-11 season.
- A Financial Reopener will be required if the Dow Jones average remains at or above 12,000 for 6 months.
- The Association will promote the salary and benefit cuts as a $1.4 million gift from the orchestra.
Thanks to the negotiating team: Dolores D’Aigle, Chair; John Cox, Evan Kuhlmann, Jeff Johnson, Jason Schooler, and Jennifer Arnold. Thanks also to Local #99 President Bruce Fife and Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Lynch.
This bulletin was prepared by ICSOM Secretary, Laura Ross with the assistance of the Oregon Symphony ICSOM Delegate, Dolores D’Aigle.