In Wednesday’s (12/30/2009) Seattle Times, Janet I. Tu writes, “The Seattle Symphony, already beset by immense challenges, including a $4 million debt and vacancies in its two top positions, still has not reached a new contract agreement with its musicians union and could potentially face a musicians strike. After some eight months of negotiations, Seattle Symphony management and the Seattle Symphony and Opera Players’ Organization are still far apart on how much musicians should be paid. The current contract, reached in 2001 and renegotiated and extended in 2005, expires today, though its terms will remain in effect until a new agreement is reached. Symphony management is asking for a five-year contract that calls for a 10 percent wage cut, to below 2005 levels, said violist Tim Hale, chairman of the players union. … The union’s entire membership is expected to vote on management’s offer around mid-January, but it’s unlikely members will approve it, Hale said.”
Posted January 5, 2010
