Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Negotiations

Just In Case You Thought The Grinch Didn’t Do Thanksgiving

Wed, Nov 11, 2020
The New York Times’ headline says it all: Met Opera Seeks Pay Cuts in Exchange for Pandemic Paychecks, The Met is offering many employees their first paycheck in months if their unions agree to long-term cuts. If you dig into the 11/20/2020 article by Julia Jacobs you’ll find out more about what’s going on, but

Colorado Springs Philharmonic Employer Rejects Musician Offer To Waive An Entire Season Of Salary

Fri, Nov 11, 2020
It appears mediation in the Colorado Springs Philharmonic labor dispute is running into difficulties. The musicians released a public statement on 11/5/2020 to inform supporters that their recent offer to waive an entire season’s salary made was rejected. Most recently, working with a federal mediator, we offered to accept the total loss of our guaranteed salaries

While Still Painful, Short-Term Concessionary Agreements Are The Best Option For Most Orchestras

Thu, Nov 11, 2020
The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra recently announced a 30 percent cut in musician wages for the rest of 2020 and the 11/2/2020 edition of the San Francisco Chronical published an article by Joshua Kosman that provides important content. This is not a new deal, rather, a reopener, which is when both parties agree to amend

Labor Tensions Continue To Rise In Colorado Springs As Orchestra Goes Dark

Mon, Nov 11, 2020
At the beginning of last month, labor relations at the Colorado Springs Philharmonic (CSPhil) were on the brink of all out war. After publishing feedback from employer and musician representatives, the orchestra’s president and CEO, Nathan Newbrough, wrote to say he thought things were moving in a positive direction. While that’s a good sign, follow-up

The Lyric Opera Of Chicago Fires the First Shot In A Labor War

Fri, Oct 10, 2020
The latest entry in the round of COVID triggered labor disputes is from The Lyric Opera of Chicago. The organization released a 14:38 video that says it is intended for company members that features General Director, Anthony Freud, and Board Chair, Sylvia Neil. I say intended because it really seems designed more for donors and
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