Local and national news outlets hammered the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra last week by openly challenging the institutional image portrayed in a recent organizational press release. In particular, both articles report on the string of recent labor problems…
Labor Relations
Details from the WCO Settlement
Over the course of 2009 Take A Friend To Orchestra month, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) reached a settlement; however, news reports have not focused on the agreement’s details. But since this is a negotiation we’ve been following for several months, it seems appropriate to examine some of those details, especially those sticking points that kept the agreement out of reach for so long…
Point-Counterpoint In Madison
The musicians of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) issued a press release on 3/26/2009 announcing plans to picket WCO offices at 3:00p.m. CT and then move to the state Capitol to protest WCO Board tactics throughout their prolonged contract negotiations. Details of recent events in those negotiations and reasoning behind the latest round of offers have finally been made available…
Bad Stuff In Phoenix Indeed
Over at Abu Bratsche, Robert Levine published an article on 3/23/09 entitled Bad stuff in Phoenix which brings to light ongoing events inside the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra regarding a slew of complaints resulting from what Robert describes as “general nastiness by the Phoenix Symphony management and Music Director Michael Christie.” But once you learn more about what has transpired over the past few years, you might think Robert’s description was downright polite…
Fearing Fear Itself
The labor situation at the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) continues to grind forward. At the conclusion of an article from 3/12/2009, we were awaiting a response from Daniel A. Kaplan, the attorney representing the WCO for these negotiations, on details behind why the WCO has engaged in what has been called by some in the business as regressive bargaining practices. Although Mr. Kaplan acknowledged receipt of the request for information he has unfortunately not provided those details…