“The musicians of the San Antonio Symphony have a new three-year collective bargaining agreement that both the players and management see as an indicator of growing stability,” writes Deborah Martin in last Friday’s (8/23) San Antonio Express News (TX). “ ‘A multiyear contract is definitely a fantastic sign,’ said David Reinecke, assistant principal percussionist and chairman of the musicians negotiating committee…. The musicians and management also are heartened that the new contract includes raises, which kick in in 2020. The musicians’ current contract, which ends Aug. 31, calls for the 72 musicians to work 30 weeks with a base salary of $33,600.” The number of work weeks and salaries are slated to rise each season. “The new deal takes effect Sept. 1…. Corey Cowart, the symphony’s executive director … said the symphony is on firmer footing than it has been in the recent past, which has included serious financial problems…. ‘We are working toward stability,’ said Cowart, who joined the symphony in January. ‘Like every arts organization, we face challenges—some that are unique to orchestras. We still have a lot of work to do, but this contract as we go into next season is a very important step.’ ”
Posted September 3, 2019
