In Wednesday’s (9/30) Grand Rapids Press (Michigan), Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk reports, “The Grand Rapids Symphony has reached a collective bargaining agreement with its musicians that shortens the orchestra’s season and trims benefits, but preserves weekly wages for its 80 musicians under contract. Members of the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians have ratified a two-year contract that cuts two weeks from the previous 42-week season, suspends contributions to the players’ 401(k) plan, and increases the musicians’ share of medical insurance by 2 percent. But the pact continues to employ all of the 50 full-time and 30 part-time players, maintains weekly salaries at last year’s level, and retains three weeks of paid vacation during the season. … Full-time musicians will see an income reduction of 11.5 to 16.5 percent under terms of the new agreement, according to Dan Mattson, co-lead negotiator for the musicians. Part-time musicians, who will be contracted for the same number of services and at the same pay rate, will be less affected by changes in the new contract. … Despite shortening the season by two weeks, all ticketed concerts previously scheduled will be held this season, which began two weeks ago.”
Posted October 5, 2009
