In Tuesday’s (6/12) Star Tribune (Minneapolis), Graydon Royce writes, “For five decades, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has touted itself as the only full-time chamber orchestra in the United States—a prestigious ensemble noted for its international touring, recordings and Grammy Awards. But in tough labor talks that seek $1.5 million in annual savings, the SPCO is reconsidering whether it can keep its musicians at full-time. … The board’s initial proposal called for reducing guaranteed workweeks for most musicians to 20 weeks per year, and in some cases to 15 weeks per year. … The union rejected the initial offer, and [SPCO board chair Dobson] West said he anticipates making a new proposal when the two sides reconvene in July. … The SPCO has cut expenses by $1.5 million since 2008, but officials said they anticipate a deficit between $750,000 and $1 million this year. … The current contract, which expires this year, pays all 34 SPCO musicians for the entire year, including for weeks they do not work. Management’s initial proposal suggested that 27 musicians be guaranteed 20 weeks and that seven would be guaranteed only 15 weeks. In addition, individual musicians could be contracted beyond those guarantees, which means some players could be working for the entire 35-week season.”
Posted June 13, 2012
