Friday (10/21) on Louisville, Kentucky’s WDRB 41 News website, Rachel Collier reports, “Musicians in the Louisville Orchestra could be out of a job by Friday afternoon. The future of the Louisville Orchestra is uncertain after the musicians turn down their last and final contract offer. WDRB received a letter from the musicians with the Louisville Orchestra. In it, they say there is nothing in the contract except threats and sketchy details. Orchestra CEO Robert Birman said musicians had until 4 PM Friday to make a decision. Under the new contract, officials said they would employ and keep all of the musicians for now. But, the number of musicians would be reduced to 55 by 2013 through voluntary attrition and retirement packages, and the musicians are not happy about that. … ‘We hope to fill an orchestra for this city so we can get back to the habit of presenting live concerts for the benefits of children and adults throughout this community,’ said Orchestra CEO Robert Birman. The musicians say they want to know who the orchestra will ‘fire’ as they call it, and what instrumental positions would remain under the concept. Orchestra officials said if the musicians didn’t approve this last and final offer, they will be replaced. The musicians have been without a contract since May.”
Posted October 21, 2011
