“The two-month Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musician lockout is over, and the music will begin again Nov. 13,” writes Howard Pousner in Saturday’s (11/8) Atlanta Constitution-Journal. “Orchestra officials announced late Saturday afternoon the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement forged between the ASO Players’ Association and management of the ASO and its parent nonprofit Woodruff Arts Center. The four-year deal was forged over the last month with the help of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service mediators…. The new agreement calls for a 6 percent pay increase for the musicians over the four years; participation by the musicians in a new high-deductible healthcare plan, which will include increased premium contributions by the musicians and additionally provides substantial savings to the ASO; an initial complement of 77 musicians in year one, a goal of 81 musicians in year two and a commitment to 84 musicians by the end of year three and 88 musicians by the end of year four.” The article includes the entire text of the orchestra’s announcement of the contract agreement. Music Director Robert Spano will lead the ASO on November 13 in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, with the ASO Chorus, and Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, with Concertmaster David Coucheron as soloist.
Posted November 10, 2014
