The board and musicians of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in New York have ratified a two-year extension to the current four-year agreement, now in its final year. The agreement includes a salary freeze for musicians in the 2015-16 season; provides for a 2.6 percent increase in the weekly rate next season; and remains flat in 2017-18. Contracted weeks will remain unchanged at 37 in 2015-16 and increase to 38 weeks in 2016-17 and 38.5 or 39 weeks in 2017-18. Federal mediator Scott Montani participated in the last three negotiating sessions and facilitated the settlement. “The musicians have shown a willingness to invest in the future of this world-class orchestra by agreeing to extend the previous year’s concessions,” said Interim President and CEO Ralph P. Craviso. “We have a responsibility to repay that good faith by creating a stable and financial sustainable future, and this agreement enables us to do that.” William Amsel, RPO clarinetist and chair of the Musicians’ Committee, said, “By agreeing to a continuation of concessions, the musicians are investing in the long-term future of this organization and hope that this new agreement can mark the first steps toward financial stability for the RPO.”
Posted October 27, 2015
