International Guild of Symphony Opera and Ballet Musicians
Work Stoppage Avoided In Seattle
Mon, May 5, 2013
by Drew McManus
The Seattle Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and Seattle Symphony and Opera Players’ Organization (SSOPO) released statements on 5/6/2013 to announce that the organization has reached a tentative labor agreement that will extend through 8/31/2015. The SSO has been close to a work stoppage on a few occasions throughout the 2012/13 season but the pair of recent
AFM Poll Update: The Grass Is Looking Greener
Fri, Jun 6, 2010
by Drew McManus
When the original poll results were published on 6/4/2010 I mentioned that we would revisit the results if there are any significant changes or an unusually large spike in responses. As it turns out, both have come to pass. Since then, the poll produced just under 800 respondents and that surge shifted the response ratios
Should Orchestra Musicians Leave The AFM?
Wed, Jun 6, 2010
by Drew McManus
Yesterday’s post on the recommendation by the American Federation of Musicians’ (AFM) International Executive Board (IEB) to give officers an unaudited $10,000 discretionary spending account has generated a considerable amount of feedback throughout social network sites and private email messages. One item that repeatedly pops up is whether or not orchestra musicians would be better
Tentative Seattle Agreement and Summit Live Blogging Day 2
Thu, Jan 1, 2010
by Drew McManus
The Seattle Symphony and their musicians have reached a tentative agreement. The new agreement, which has yet to be ratified by the musicians, will last 23 months over the course of three seasons and contains some very unique elements (although not entirely unprecedented for the Seattle Musicians). As I’m invovled with the American Orchestra Summit
Seattle Musicians Look Forward By Looking Back
Thu, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
It seems fitting that on the last day of 2009 we take a look at something retrospective; but in this case, retrospection serves as a foundation for looking ahead. In an article dated 12/28/2009, the Seattle Symphony & Opera Players’ Organization (SSOPO) committee chair published a frank article on behalf of his colleagues that presents
