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Understanding Mandatory and Permissive Subjects Of Bargaining

Issue: Counsel's Columns

By Susan Martin, ICSOM General Counsel

Under the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA” or “Act”), an employer must bargain collectively with the representative of its employees over matters affecting “wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.” Generally, once the parties reach a good-faith impasse, the employer may implement any change in a mandatory subject reasonably contained within its final proposal. Employees may … [Read more...]

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Alabama on the Mend

Issue: May 2012

By Kathleen Costello, Alternate ICSOM Delegate

In August the musicians of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra wrapped up negotiations resulting in a three-year contract through the end of the 2013–2014 season. The current season was reduced from 41 weeks to 40 weeks while maintaining a freeze in overall salary. In the following two seasons the musicians will receive raises of 4% and 3.75%, respectively. Health benefits were not a part of the … [Read more...]

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Louisville Settlement

Issue: May 2012

Louisville Orchestra musicians voted to return to work under a bridge contract that allows for binding arbitration, a reduction to 57 orchestra members, and a compromise on sick leave and vacation leave. Orchestra committee chair Kim Tichenor said that the agreement would not have been possible without the efforts of Louisville Metro Council President Jim King. With oversight by King, the … [Read more...]

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The Colorado Symphony Plays On

Issue: February 2012

By Justin Bartels and Paul Naslund

The Colorado Symphony is projecting to end its 2012 fiscal year with a balanced budget. This revelation may come as quite a surprise to some on the outside looking in. However, for the musicians, staff, administration, and board, the hard work of the past few months has paid off. One of the key factors in the rapid stabilization of the organization was the number of old friends of the Colorado … [Read more...]

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Chairperson’s Report

Issue: Chairperson's Reports

By Bruce Ridge

I’ve been reviewing some recent headlines from the national press: Colorado Symphony (cue drumroll) is back in the black ...the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra will make its long-awaited debut March 4, marking the return of a professional orchestra to the state more than two years after the Honolulu Symphony played its final note. ...another milestone in Alabama Symphony’s rise. Buffalo … [Read more...]

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Secretary’s Report

Issue: February 2012

By Laura Ross

Having just completed the 2011 ICSOM Conference minutes—36 pages, thank you very much—and knowing how quickly the next Conference will be upon us, I’d like to take a few minutes to reflect upon the historic Conference that will be held in Chicago, August 22–25, 2012, at the Westin Michigan Avenue hotel. First, let me share my own personal excitement, because I love history, and we will be … [Read more...]

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Nobody’s Perfect (Representing Musicians with Disabilities)

Issue: Counsel's Columns

By Susan Martin, ICSOM General Counsel

Recognizing disabilities and providing reasonable accommodations as required by federal law are topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood by employers and can be perplexing for even the most experienced union representatives (and attorneys). Because the law has changed and because disability-related matters arise from time to time, the following provides a brief summary and some issues to … [Read more...]

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The Perilous Life of Symphony Orchestras: Artistic Triumphs and Economic Challenges

Issue: Chairperson's Reports

A Book Review by Bruce Ridge

Title: The Perilous Life of Symphony Orchestras: Artistic Triumphs and Economic Challenges Author: Robert J. Flanagan Publisher: Yale University Press Publication Date: January 24, 2012 [December 05, 2011 according to publisher website] ISBN: 9780300171938 Hardcover: 240 pages No one is going to read this book. Well, perhaps I exaggerate. A handful of people will read this book, and … [Read more...]

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Defined Benefit Plans Make Sense

Issue: Editor's Reports

By Richard Levine, Editor

The San Francisco Symphony newslet on pensions in the December 2011 issue of Senza Sordino generated considerable interest. One reader pointed out that the loss due to lower rates of return on investments in defined contribution plans compared to defined benefit plans was actually understated. If the defined contribution plan experiences a return that is 1% lower each year, after 14 years the … [Read more...]

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Orchestra Newslets

Issue: February 2012

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra finished its 2010-2011 fiscal year with a surplus of $46,000. There were many contributing factors. The musicians of the BPO had agreed to contract concessions over the previous two seasons, allowing the orchestra to get on solid financial ground in the current financial environment. Management positions were trimmed and streamlined as well. During the … [Read more...]

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