“For the first time in years, musicians with the Oregon Symphony will see their paychecks grow this spring thanks to a three-year contract extension,” writes Jillian Cohan Martin in Friday’s (4/15) Oregonian (Portland). The increase “comes after years of salary cuts and concessions to help balance the symphony’s budget, which has been in the black for the last six years…. In the [2014-15 season], they agreed to a one-year contract extension and pay freeze to allow Symphony president Scott Showalter, who had just arrived from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, time to hone his vision for the orchestra. The new contract terms … are as follows: ‘Musicians will receive annual cost of living increases based on the Consumer Price Index average of all U.S. cities. The musicians will continue to receive full health care coverage for themselves and their dependents, along with pension contributions of 5% each year…. Separately, the musicians’ union also ratified a new electronic media agreement, which will allow the Oregon Symphony to invest in radio broadcasts, online streaming, and recordings.’ … Showalter … said … that the contract agreement ‘recognizes the musicians for their artistry, which is drawing audiences and donations in record numbers.’ ”
Posted April 18, 2016
Photo of the Oregon Symphony and Music Director Carlos Kalmar by Leah Nash
