Orchestra Management Wants to Cut Season, Double Health Care Costs
5/6/16
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) management proposed this week to more than double musicians’ health care costs, and further reduce the season’s length from 46 to 42 weeks.
“This is just more of the same—management’s proposal would slash our annual salaries to 2003 levels,” said Ed Jones, a tuba player in the orchestra for 15 years. “Although management proposed a tiny increase in our weekly pay, the cuts to the season would mean that I lose over $5,000 a year in wages--with my health care premiums more than doubling.”
Orchestra members, whose base salary is currently $55,000 per year, took a 13.5% pay cut in 2010, saving the orchestra over $2.3 million to help with the bottom line.
“Management had 6 years in a growing economy to solve their financial problems,” said FWSO cellist Shelley Jessup. “Balancing the budget on the backs of the musicians is wrong. We’ll keep fighting for a fair contract that promotes growth, not cuts.”
Contract negotiations continue on May 19 and May 31. The Fort Worth Symphony’s collective bargaining agreement expires on July 31.
“This is just more of the same—management’s proposal would slash our annual salaries to 2003 levels,” said Ed Jones, a tuba player in the orchestra for 15 years. “Although management proposed a tiny increase in our weekly pay, the cuts to the season would mean that I lose over $5,000 a year in wages--with my health care premiums more than doubling.”
Orchestra members, whose base salary is currently $55,000 per year, took a 13.5% pay cut in 2010, saving the orchestra over $2.3 million to help with the bottom line.
“Management had 6 years in a growing economy to solve their financial problems,” said FWSO cellist Shelley Jessup. “Balancing the budget on the backs of the musicians is wrong. We’ll keep fighting for a fair contract that promotes growth, not cuts.”
Contract negotiations continue on May 19 and May 31. The Fort Worth Symphony’s collective bargaining agreement expires on July 31.
FWSO Management Is Back to Demanding Pay Cuts
4/18/16
After refusing for over a month to bargain over wages, Fort Worth Symphony management admitted on Friday that their threat to cut musicians’ pay by almost 9% still stands.
Musicians say that management is acting in bad faith.
“Our last proposal moved by over half a million dollars. Management’s economic proposal hasn’t changed since October. What’s wrong with this picture?” said Julie Vinsant, a double bassist in the orchestra.
Management’s admission of their position comes after musicians offered a comprehensive proposal, including wages, on March 9. For a month, management failed to bring a proposal of any kind—and cancelled 3 scheduled negotiations without giving alternate dates.
In January, musicians and management signed a temporary agreement that forestalled a possible strike with the understanding that FWSO leadership would quickly return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.
“Management is missing in action,” said FWSO violist Scott Jessup. “Instead of bargaining, we see cancelled negotiations and a refusal to discuss fundamental issues. Instead of fundraising, we see excuses. Instead of accountability, we see broken agreements, finger-pointing and games at the bargaining table.”
Management’s financial proposal, unchanged since October 2015, would cut salaries back to 2003 levels—after musicians took a 13.5% pay cut in 2010 to help with the bottom line.
Last week, FWSO musicians stood on-stage and unveiled over 4,500 signatures supporting “growth, not cuts”, from FWSO patrons, donors, students, and Fort Worth businesses. They vowed to continue their fight.
In a speech, Jessup said “we will not accept any more excuses from management”, adding “we will not accept that Fort Worth doesn’t deserve a world class orchestra.”
Musicians say that management is acting in bad faith.
“Our last proposal moved by over half a million dollars. Management’s economic proposal hasn’t changed since October. What’s wrong with this picture?” said Julie Vinsant, a double bassist in the orchestra.
Management’s admission of their position comes after musicians offered a comprehensive proposal, including wages, on March 9. For a month, management failed to bring a proposal of any kind—and cancelled 3 scheduled negotiations without giving alternate dates.
In January, musicians and management signed a temporary agreement that forestalled a possible strike with the understanding that FWSO leadership would quickly return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.
“Management is missing in action,” said FWSO violist Scott Jessup. “Instead of bargaining, we see cancelled negotiations and a refusal to discuss fundamental issues. Instead of fundraising, we see excuses. Instead of accountability, we see broken agreements, finger-pointing and games at the bargaining table.”
Management’s financial proposal, unchanged since October 2015, would cut salaries back to 2003 levels—after musicians took a 13.5% pay cut in 2010 to help with the bottom line.
Last week, FWSO musicians stood on-stage and unveiled over 4,500 signatures supporting “growth, not cuts”, from FWSO patrons, donors, students, and Fort Worth businesses. They vowed to continue their fight.
In a speech, Jessup said “we will not accept any more excuses from management”, adding “we will not accept that Fort Worth doesn’t deserve a world class orchestra.”
STATEMENT ON NEGOTIATIONS
4/8/16
On Friday, April 8, musicians from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra met with management for the second time since agreeing on a contract extension in January. That agreement averted a possible strike with the understanding that FWSO leadership would return to the bargaining table ASAP.
Musicians offered a comprehensive proposal including economic issues on March 9. For a month, management failed to bring a proposal of any kind—and cancelled 3 scheduled negotiations without giving alternate dates. Following is the musicians’ statement on today’s negotiations.
Statement from Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Today we reached tentative agreement with orchestra management on a small number of items, but once again management refused to present a comprehensive proposal, refused to discuss any major economic issues, and refused to commit to a time when they will.
We are ready to get this done, but we need a willing partner. Management’s failure to bring an economic proposal is reckless, irresponsible and a dereliction of duty.
Balancing the budget on the backs of the musicians is wrong. We call on management to bargain now—bargain in good faith, for a fair contract that promotes growth, not cuts.
Musicians offered a comprehensive proposal including economic issues on March 9. For a month, management failed to bring a proposal of any kind—and cancelled 3 scheduled negotiations without giving alternate dates. Following is the musicians’ statement on today’s negotiations.
Statement from Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Today we reached tentative agreement with orchestra management on a small number of items, but once again management refused to present a comprehensive proposal, refused to discuss any major economic issues, and refused to commit to a time when they will.
We are ready to get this done, but we need a willing partner. Management’s failure to bring an economic proposal is reckless, irresponsible and a dereliction of duty.
Balancing the budget on the backs of the musicians is wrong. We call on management to bargain now—bargain in good faith, for a fair contract that promotes growth, not cuts.
Musicians Conduct Sit-in At Symphony Office
3/24/16
On Thursday, March 24, musicians from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra conducted a “sit-in” at symphony offices to protest management’s unilateral cancellation of all scheduled negotiation sessions. Following is their statement.
Statement from Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Today we sit-in to stand up for our rights and for what is right for our community.
In January, we approved a contract extension through July 2016. Management withdrew their threat to impose 8.7% pay cuts and agreed to maintain 2014-2015 wages, with the understanding that they would return to the bargaining table ASAP to negotiate a new agreement.
We met with management on March 9th and agreed to meet three more times this week and next week. On Monday, management abruptly cancelled all three meetings without offering alternate dates.
This recklessness, lack of good faith, and dereliction of duty on management’s part cannot be tolerated.
We will continue performing and demonstrating as more and more Fort Worth citizens join us in the fight to preserve the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the legacy of “Cowboys and Culture”.
Bargain Now – Growth Not Cuts!
Today we sit-in to stand up for our rights and for what is right for our community.
In January, we approved a contract extension through July 2016. Management withdrew their threat to impose 8.7% pay cuts and agreed to maintain 2014-2015 wages, with the understanding that they would return to the bargaining table ASAP to negotiate a new agreement.
We met with management on March 9th and agreed to meet three more times this week and next week. On Monday, management abruptly cancelled all three meetings without offering alternate dates.
This recklessness, lack of good faith, and dereliction of duty on management’s part cannot be tolerated.
We will continue performing and demonstrating as more and more Fort Worth citizens join us in the fight to preserve the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the legacy of “Cowboys and Culture”.
Bargain Now – Growth Not Cuts!
Symphony Musicians Approve Temporary Agreement
1/29/16
Statement from Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Today, we voted to approve a one year agreement with orchestra management.
Withdrawing their threat to impose pay cuts of 8.7% last Monday, management has agreed to immediately return to bargaining a new agreement and maintain 2014-15 wages and working conditions through July 31, 2016.
Our agreement is a victory not only for this orchestra, but for our audiences, downtown, and greater Fort Worth.
But this isn’t the end—we continue to fight for the growth of this orchestra, reflecting Fort Worth’s thriving economy and honoring the legacy of “Cowboys and Culture”.
Today, we voted to approve a one year agreement with orchestra management.
Withdrawing their threat to impose pay cuts of 8.7% last Monday, management has agreed to immediately return to bargaining a new agreement and maintain 2014-15 wages and working conditions through July 31, 2016.
Our agreement is a victory not only for this orchestra, but for our audiences, downtown, and greater Fort Worth.
But this isn’t the end—we continue to fight for the growth of this orchestra, reflecting Fort Worth’s thriving economy and honoring the legacy of “Cowboys and Culture”.
Musicians Reject Management’s "Last, Best, and Final"
1/22/16
Statement from the Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Today, by a virtually unanimous vote, we rejected the Fort Worth Symphony’s “last, best, and final offer” which was presented to us on January 18. Management is threatening to implement this offer on January 25, forcing us to work under the conditions they impose.
This offer, which is identical to their past three financial proposals submitted since October, would force us to take an 8.7% pay cut. In 2010, we accepted a 13.5% pay cut, saving the symphony over $2.3 million to date. Where did that money go? In the meantime, Orchestra management has had five years to come up with a plan for growth, but they have not. Instead, they have been depleting the Symphony’s contingency funds. Now, once again, we are being told to pay for a pattern of shortsighted management, cutting our salaries down to 2003 levels.
FWSO management’s lack of vision and stewardship is threatening the very institution they are claiming to protect. They are endangering the legacy of this symphony—unaccountable to the orchestra, our audience, and the community.
We call on management to get back to the table and bargain. Don’t destroy the legacy of Cowboys and Culture.
Today, by a virtually unanimous vote, we rejected the Fort Worth Symphony’s “last, best, and final offer” which was presented to us on January 18. Management is threatening to implement this offer on January 25, forcing us to work under the conditions they impose.
This offer, which is identical to their past three financial proposals submitted since October, would force us to take an 8.7% pay cut. In 2010, we accepted a 13.5% pay cut, saving the symphony over $2.3 million to date. Where did that money go? In the meantime, Orchestra management has had five years to come up with a plan for growth, but they have not. Instead, they have been depleting the Symphony’s contingency funds. Now, once again, we are being told to pay for a pattern of shortsighted management, cutting our salaries down to 2003 levels.
FWSO management’s lack of vision and stewardship is threatening the very institution they are claiming to protect. They are endangering the legacy of this symphony—unaccountable to the orchestra, our audience, and the community.
We call on management to get back to the table and bargain. Don’t destroy the legacy of Cowboys and Culture.
Musicians Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike
After Management Repeatedly Demands Cuts to Orchestra
1/20/16
Press Statement from Musicians of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, members of American of Federation of Musicians Local 72-147
On the heels of what management called their final offer on Monday, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) musicians yesterday voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, following the vote with a march through downtown Fort Worth.
With this vote, FWSO musicians can now go on strike at any time, but are not obligated to do so.
Two days ago, symphony management told musicians they would no longer bargain and threatened to implement their current contract proposal on Monday, January 25—but musicians say there is still plenty to bargain over.
“We musicians have decreased $1.25 million from our original proposal, and there are many issues still on the table. It’s wrong and a betrayal to our audiences and the broader Fort Worth community that management will not bargain,” said Ed Jones, the tuba player in the orchestra.
Management’s financial proposal, unchanged since October, would cut musician salaries by almost 9%, back to 2003 levels—after musicians already took a 13.5% pay cut during the recession.
“In 2010, we agreed to cuts that saved the orchestra $2.3 million to date. That was supposed to give them time to get their house in order. What happened to that money?” said bassist Julie Vinsant.
Musicians dispute that FWSO finances are in bad shape.
“Management claims our orchestra is in dire straits, but they’re simply not being truthful,” said viola player Scott Jessup. “Our research shows that the orchestra’s finances are strong, the organization has plenty of money to operate, and they have no debt.”
After Tuesday’s vote, musicians marched through downtown, playing handheld percussion and calling out, “Growth not cuts, no ifs, ands, or buts!” They ended up in the Bank of Texas building near Burnett Plaza, where they asked to speak with Mark Nurdin, chair of FWSO’s executive committee, also the CEO of Bank of Texas, Fort Worth Region. Mr. Nurdin declined to meet with the musicians.
“Management is undermining the health of this orchestra, and by extension the vitality of downtown Fort Worth and the legacy of Bass Hall. That Mr. Nurdin refused to speak with us is outrageous and irresponsible,” said cellist Shelley Jessup. “We will not let management destroy the legacy of cowboys and culture.”
Orchestra members are set to vote on management’s proposal this Friday.
On the heels of what management called their final offer on Monday, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) musicians yesterday voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, following the vote with a march through downtown Fort Worth.
With this vote, FWSO musicians can now go on strike at any time, but are not obligated to do so.
Two days ago, symphony management told musicians they would no longer bargain and threatened to implement their current contract proposal on Monday, January 25—but musicians say there is still plenty to bargain over.
“We musicians have decreased $1.25 million from our original proposal, and there are many issues still on the table. It’s wrong and a betrayal to our audiences and the broader Fort Worth community that management will not bargain,” said Ed Jones, the tuba player in the orchestra.
Management’s financial proposal, unchanged since October, would cut musician salaries by almost 9%, back to 2003 levels—after musicians already took a 13.5% pay cut during the recession.
“In 2010, we agreed to cuts that saved the orchestra $2.3 million to date. That was supposed to give them time to get their house in order. What happened to that money?” said bassist Julie Vinsant.
Musicians dispute that FWSO finances are in bad shape.
“Management claims our orchestra is in dire straits, but they’re simply not being truthful,” said viola player Scott Jessup. “Our research shows that the orchestra’s finances are strong, the organization has plenty of money to operate, and they have no debt.”
After Tuesday’s vote, musicians marched through downtown, playing handheld percussion and calling out, “Growth not cuts, no ifs, ands, or buts!” They ended up in the Bank of Texas building near Burnett Plaza, where they asked to speak with Mark Nurdin, chair of FWSO’s executive committee, also the CEO of Bank of Texas, Fort Worth Region. Mr. Nurdin declined to meet with the musicians.
“Management is undermining the health of this orchestra, and by extension the vitality of downtown Fort Worth and the legacy of Bass Hall. That Mr. Nurdin refused to speak with us is outrageous and irresponsible,” said cellist Shelley Jessup. “We will not let management destroy the legacy of cowboys and culture.”
Orchestra members are set to vote on management’s proposal this Friday.
symphony musicians call on management to bargain
1/13/16
Press Statement from Musicians of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, members of American of Federation of Musicians Local 72-147
Once again, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra management has stonewalled our efforts to come to agreement and insure the health of the symphony and downtown Fort Worth. Management refuses to bargain over economic issues, and says anything less than concessions is unacceptable.
Our proposal this week has come down by over $1 million compared to our last—while keeping our commitment to the city of Fort Worth that the orchestra must thrive and grow.
Management hasn't moved off their own financial proposal since October, saying that “there is no evidence that the economy is thriving in Fort Worth.” But this flies in the face of basic common sense.
In 2010, we accepted a 13.5% pay cut, saving the symphony over $2.3 million to date. Where did that money go? Now, once again, the musicians are being told to pay for a pattern of shortsighted management, cutting salaries down to 2003 levels.
Management’s proposal threatens to undo decades of growth and stewardship. We will not let that happen. We demand a fair contract, and we call for leadership. Going backwards is not the Fort Worth way.
Once again, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra management has stonewalled our efforts to come to agreement and insure the health of the symphony and downtown Fort Worth. Management refuses to bargain over economic issues, and says anything less than concessions is unacceptable.
Our proposal this week has come down by over $1 million compared to our last—while keeping our commitment to the city of Fort Worth that the orchestra must thrive and grow.
Management hasn't moved off their own financial proposal since October, saying that “there is no evidence that the economy is thriving in Fort Worth.” But this flies in the face of basic common sense.
In 2010, we accepted a 13.5% pay cut, saving the symphony over $2.3 million to date. Where did that money go? Now, once again, the musicians are being told to pay for a pattern of shortsighted management, cutting salaries down to 2003 levels.
Management’s proposal threatens to undo decades of growth and stewardship. We will not let that happen. We demand a fair contract, and we call for leadership. Going backwards is not the Fort Worth way.
statement on negotiations
1/7/16
After significant movement from musicians in negotiations, orchestra management has again submitted its exact same financial proposal for a third time—a proposal they’ve refused to budge from since October.
Once again, we are being asked to take salary cuts to pay for a pattern of shortsighted management. In 2010, we took a 13.5% salary cut to help management get its house in order, resulting in $2.3 million in savings. Now we’re proposing a one year pay freeze—yet management continues to be unaccountable to the musicians and the community at large.
By refusing to make the commitment necessary to ensure the health of our treasured institution, management threatens Fort Worth’s renowned “Cowboys and Culture” way of life.
We demand a fair contract, and we call for leadership. Going backwards is not the Fort Worth way.
Once again, we are being asked to take salary cuts to pay for a pattern of shortsighted management. In 2010, we took a 13.5% salary cut to help management get its house in order, resulting in $2.3 million in savings. Now we’re proposing a one year pay freeze—yet management continues to be unaccountable to the musicians and the community at large.
By refusing to make the commitment necessary to ensure the health of our treasured institution, management threatens Fort Worth’s renowned “Cowboys and Culture” way of life.
We demand a fair contract, and we call for leadership. Going backwards is not the Fort Worth way.
Statement on negotiations
12/17/15
Contract negotiations continued this week and after over six months of bargaining, management still proposes to cut our salaries back to 2003 levels, squandering years of growth.
This isn’t the first time management has demanded cuts. During the recession, musicians agreed to a 13.5% pay cut—saving the orchestra over $2.3 million since 2010. Yet as the economy recovered, the symphony’s budget has actually gone down, from a high of $13.1 million in 2009 to $11.9 million in 2014.
Once again, the musicians are being told to pay for a pattern of short-sighted management. We continue to bargain, but we are concerned that management still insists full-time work be cut from 46 to 39 weeks. Fort Worth deserves an orchestra that reflects its vital role in our community.
This week we submitted our third financial counter-proposal with significant additional savings to the orchestra, as well as a one year pay freeze. In turn, we call for a fair contract and credible fundraising plan that grows our orchestra during a time of economic strength in the region.
This isn’t the first time management has demanded cuts. During the recession, musicians agreed to a 13.5% pay cut—saving the orchestra over $2.3 million since 2010. Yet as the economy recovered, the symphony’s budget has actually gone down, from a high of $13.1 million in 2009 to $11.9 million in 2014.
Once again, the musicians are being told to pay for a pattern of short-sighted management. We continue to bargain, but we are concerned that management still insists full-time work be cut from 46 to 39 weeks. Fort Worth deserves an orchestra that reflects its vital role in our community.
This week we submitted our third financial counter-proposal with significant additional savings to the orchestra, as well as a one year pay freeze. In turn, we call for a fair contract and credible fundraising plan that grows our orchestra during a time of economic strength in the region.
Same Proposal, Different Song
11/23/2015
Last week management resubmitted the same proposal--an 8.7% pay cut. But Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians had another song to play. Watch it now!
#GrowthNotCuts
#GrowthNotCuts
Musicians Statement on Negotiations
11/18/2015
Yesterday in negotiations we expected a financial counter-proposal from management but instead received a re-submission of their last proposal from October 19, 2015. Management continues to demand that the musicians of the orchestra take an 8.7% pay cut.
Five years ago Monday, we took a 13.5% cut to help with the symphony’s bottom line. What management is now requesting amounts to a cumulative 22.8% cut since 2010 adjusted for inflation. FWSO management insists we accept these severe cuts, yet they still have not produced a comprehensive fundraising plan to support Fort Worth's world-class symphony.
Balancing the budget on the backs of the musicians is unconscionable. Our community deserves the critically-acclaimed orchestra that musicians and civic leaders have spent decades building.
Five years ago Monday, we took a 13.5% cut to help with the symphony’s bottom line. What management is now requesting amounts to a cumulative 22.8% cut since 2010 adjusted for inflation. FWSO management insists we accept these severe cuts, yet they still have not produced a comprehensive fundraising plan to support Fort Worth's world-class symphony.
Balancing the budget on the backs of the musicians is unconscionable. Our community deserves the critically-acclaimed orchestra that musicians and civic leaders have spent decades building.
#GrowthNotCuts Flash mob in Sundance Square, Fort Worth
11/6/2015
Today we took to the streets of downtown Fort Worth with a surprise performance to stand in unity for a fair and progressive contract. As many of you know by now, the orchestra is facing cuts of almost 9%, having already been cut by 13.5% five years ago. This the official short video--view the full version here. We ask you to enjoy and share, and to stand for #GrowthNotCuts in thriving Fort Worth, Texas!
Musician Statement on Negotiations
11/5/2015
Negotiations continued on November 3rd and 4th. Musicians presented a second financial counterproposal and we are awaiting management's response. We continue to make some progress, but musicians are concerned that we still haven't seen a comprehensive plan for growing our orchestra.
Other orchestras have gone through tough times in the recession and are now seeing record turnarounds, including successful endowment fund campaigns and long-range development planning. Those orchestras have succeeded in overcoming adversity with a positive vision working in collaboration with musicians.
Management claims that in Fort Worth "we're not growing and neither is anyone else." But according to the City of Fort Worth website, downtown Fort Worth is the largest job center in Tarrant County with 44,000 jobs and $2.6 billion dollars in revenue. Surely the city that Forbes Magazine rated the "Fastest Growing City in Texas Since the Recession" can sustain a world-class orchestra.
Other orchestras have gone through tough times in the recession and are now seeing record turnarounds, including successful endowment fund campaigns and long-range development planning. Those orchestras have succeeded in overcoming adversity with a positive vision working in collaboration with musicians.
Management claims that in Fort Worth "we're not growing and neither is anyone else." But according to the City of Fort Worth website, downtown Fort Worth is the largest job center in Tarrant County with 44,000 jobs and $2.6 billion dollars in revenue. Surely the city that Forbes Magazine rated the "Fastest Growing City in Texas Since the Recession" can sustain a world-class orchestra.
The Fort Worth Way . . . Growth not Cuts
10/24/2015
Tonight we stood on stage before the concert began and spoke to our audience about contract negotiations. Fort Worth deserves a world-class orchestra with a vision for our future that promotes GROWTH, NOT CUTS. See below for the full transcript of the speech.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
We are the musicians of the Ft. Worth Symphony and we want to thank you for attending tonight’s concert.
We are YOUR orchestra.
We live in your neighborhoods.
We shop in your stores and eat at your restaurants.
We attend your houses of worship.
We teach your children music, and our kids go to the same schools as yours.
Five years ago, the musicians took a significant pay cut to help this organization. Now, our president and board want to cut our salaries even more. When inflation is factored in, this will amount to a total cut of almost 23%. And why? Because we are told by our management that there’s just no money in Ft. Worth, while orchestras all over the country are raising millions of dollars, and growing, in economies far less vibrant than ours.
Going backward is not the Ft. Worth way and dishonors the legacy of one of our oldest cultural treasures.
We ask you to stand with us to show our management that these musicians, and this city, deserve a world-class orchestra with a vision for our future that promotes GROWTH, NOT CUTS.
Thank you very much for your continued support!
Musician Statement on Negotiations
10/21/2015
After months of bargaining, management's proposal has barely changed—they are still demanding givebacks including cutting pay by almost 9%. We accepted a 13.5% pay cut to help with the bottom line in 2010. That would be a cumulative 22.8% cut since 2010 adjusted for inflation.
We musicians understand and are concerned about the financial challenges facing our orchestra. That’s why we proposed a one year pay freeze. We call on management to produce a comprehensive fundraising plan, along with a contract proposal promoting growth, not cuts.
Going backwards is not the Fort Worth way. Our community deserves an orchestra moving forward built on the legacy that musicians and civic leaders spent decades cultivating.
We musicians understand and are concerned about the financial challenges facing our orchestra. That’s why we proposed a one year pay freeze. We call on management to produce a comprehensive fundraising plan, along with a contract proposal promoting growth, not cuts.
Going backwards is not the Fort Worth way. Our community deserves an orchestra moving forward built on the legacy that musicians and civic leaders spent decades cultivating.
