Musicians have made no counteroffer. With the season-opening concert still four weeks off, the union has no strike leverage. But neither is it inclined to accept the current proposal. ‘It’s a possibility,’ said principal trombonist Doug Wright, a member of the union team. ‘It’s not in our control, and, obviously, we’d like to avoid it.’ Management could declare an impasse and impose the final offer, while the two sides continue talking. That, too, could be challenged. Another possibility is to continue talking, which the musicians would prefer. The board has said for three years that the orchestra no longer can ‘survive based on optimistic economic assumptions and the hope of limitless benefactor generosity.’ The orchestra in fiscal 2011 reported its largest deficit ever, $2.9 million, a shortfall that could double in 2012. … Michael Henson, president and CEO of the orchestra, said on Friday that no immediate financial crisis exists, but he likened the investment funds that help fund each season to a retirement account.”
Photo: Ann Marsden
Posted September 24, 2012
