“The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra management and the union that represents its musicians agreed to continue contract talks after the existing agreement expired on Sunday,” writes Andrea Ahles in Monday’s (8/1) Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, TX). “The two sides entered mediation in July but have yet to reach terms on a new agreement. The musicians have asked for a financial growth plan from management, while the symphony has made contract offers with salary and benefit cuts. ‘While a great deal of progress was made, a new agreement was not reached. The union requested, and the FWSO management has agreed, to continue talks beyond the expiration of the agreement,’ symphony management said in a statement Monday. ‘We are pleased that at this time no interruption of performances will occur.’ A representative of the American Federation of Musicians Local 72-147, which represents the 80 musicians, confirmed that talks with management continue. The FWSO’s first concert of its 2016-2017 season is scheduled for Aug. 26. Last month, symphony president Amy Adkins said the orchestra ended its 2015-2016 season with an operating deficit of about $500,000.… Contract talks have lasted more than a year…. Both sides agreed to a temporary contract extension, which expired on Sunday.”
Posted August 2, 2016
