September 30, 2021
TO: All Musicians of ICSOM and the AFM
FROM: ICSOM Governing Board
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As of Monday, September 27, the musicians of the San Antonio Symphony (SAS) are on strike.
Having already accepted an 80% pay cut to help preserve their orchestra during the pandemic, SAS Musicians are now faced with a proposal that would reduce the number of full-time positions from 72 to 42. This "last, best, and final offer" would eliminate 4 positions and cut the remaining 26 musicians to a per-service contract that reduces their salary to below the poverty level and does not include any benefits. In addition, the remaining 42 full-time musicians would have a pay cut of 33%. The SAS Musicians have unanimously rejected this proposal and have called an unfair labor practice strike as of Monday, September 27.
It is essential that the musicians of ICSOM respond whenever and wherever our members are in need. It is through our united network of orchestras that we can effectively articulate to our managements that a move against one of us is a move against all of us. Let this serve as a CALL TO ACTION for our membership. The unity and generosity of all ICSOM musicians, along with our brothers and sisters throughout the AFM, have been an inspiration to our members and a cautionary tale to our managements.
The support of our ICSOM orchestras in these Calls to Action has been extraordinary and makes a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow musicians. Now the musicians of the San Antonio Symphony need your help. What happens in San Antonio affects us all. If we respond effectively to every Call, we demonstrate the power in collective action as we spread the positive community message of the musicians of ICSOM.
Checks should be made payable to Musicians of San Antonio Symphony and please mail them to 24911 Crescent Trace, San Antonio TX 78258
Thank you for your generosity.
The ICSOM Governing Board
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