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SYMPHONY MUSICIANS APPROVE TEMPORARY AGREEMENT

1/29/2016

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”.

MUSICIANS REJECT MANAGEMENT’S "LAST, BEST, AND FINAL"

1/22/2016

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.

MUSICIANS VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY TO AUTHORIZE STRIKE AFTER MANAGEMENT REPEATEDLY DEMANDS CUTS TO ORCHESTRA

1/20/2016

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.

SYMPHONY MUSICIANS CALL ON MANAGEMENT TO BARGAIN

1/13/2016

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.

STATEMENT ON NEGOTIATIONS

1/7/2016

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.

SYMPHONY MUSICIANS APPROVE TEMPORARY AGREEMENT

MUSICIANS REJECT MANAGEMENT’S "LAST, BEST, AND FINAL"

MUSICIANS VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY TO AUTHORIZE STRIKE AFTER MANAGEMENT REPEATEDLY DEMANDS CUTS TO ORCHESTRA

SYMPHONY MUSICIANS CALL ON MANAGEMENT TO BARGAIN

STATEMENT ON NEGOTIATIONS

NEWS

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SYMPHONY MUSICIANS APPROVE TEMPORARY AGREEMENT

MUSICIANS REJECT MANAGEMENT’S "LAST, BEST, AND FINAL"

MUSICIANS VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY TO AUTHORIZE STRIKE ​AFTER MANAGEMENT REPEATEDLY DEMANDS CUTS TO ORCHESTRA

SYMPHONY MUSICIANS CALL ON MANAGEMENT TO BARGAIN

STATEMENT ON NEGOTIATIONS

NEWS

Archives

Categories

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MUSICIANS VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY TO AUTHORIZE STRIKE AFTER MANAGEMENT REPEATEDLY DEMANDS CUTS TO ORCHESTRA