In Wednesday’s (2/13) Star Tribune (Minneapolis), Graydon Royce reports, “Musicians at the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra are mulling a ‘play and talk’ proposal from management. The union has until Monday to respond. The proposal, which would end the lockout of musicians that began Oct. 21, is intended to preclude canceling more of the SPCO season. In mid-January, management canceled concerts through March 23. If both sides agree, the season could resume sooner than that. ‘When we canceled, we said we would do our best to add concerts back to the schedule, and we continue to hold that view,’ said Jessica Etten of the SPCO, ‘but it has to be negotiated.’ … The proposed ‘talk and play’ period would extend to June 30, essentially salvaging the final one-third of the orchestra’s season. Should the musicians approve the proposal, negotiations would still continue toward a new contract to replace the one that expired last June. The terms of the package include a 28-player ensemble, a retirement program for players 55 or older, and a guarantee that no current musician would lose his or her job.”
Posted February 13, 2013
