“The musicians and management of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra had been negotiating a collective agreement for the past several months, and on Wednesday announced together that they had struck a deal,” writes Frank Peebles in the Prince George Citizen (British Columbia, Canada; subscription required). “Details were not disclosed. ‘Everyone at the table wanted a reasonable agreement that was in the best interests of all parties,’ said principal clarinetist Simon Cole.… Relations between the two sides were sometimes troubled in past contract dealings…. The global economic crisis that affected almost all not-for-profit societies and arts/culture groups also hit the PGSO in the past few years. ‘We are looking at innovating and growing the organization in ways that excite the musicians,’ said [General Manager Marnie] Hamagami…. She gave [Artistic Director Kevin] Zakresky, a Prince George professional musician himself who returned to be the PGSO’s conductor, credit for creating much of the goodwill among both the musicians and the financial staff…. As a result of his ‘prudent fiscal management,’ said Hamagami, enough money was left over to allow for a three-year collective agreement offering no raises, but ‘we did not need to implement the cuts that were anticipated last year.’ ”
Posted August 15, 2013
