One of "The Big Five," reaches a tentative agreement for a new contract
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra signed a three year contract that will see the musicians receive rises in their anual salary over time but having to pay some of their benefits out of pocket.
On Monday September 24, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and CSO Association came to terms over the new deal. The agreement sees the orchestra able to continue with their cross country tour of the United States with New York's Carnegie Hall on the menu. The orchestra was also slated to play on an international tour of Mexico.
"I think both sides realized that that was a catastrophe, and we couldn't afford that. So they gave a little, and we gave a little," said Stephen Lester who is a CSO bassist and a member of the Orchestra Member Committee.
After the agreement was made between the two parties CSO Association President Deborah Ruttner had this to say, "The musicians in these negotiations were incredibly constructive and thoughtful in thinking about those areas where we needed to respond and develop new contracts."
Despite these congratulatory comments from the President both sides still feel slighted by the other. The musicians are not too particularly pleased with the ruling body's public flaunting of their salaries prior to the agreement, while the board isn't happy with the recent strike that occurred last Saturday.
With reference to an ailing economy Lester had this to say. "The fact of the matter is that in this period the association is selling more tickets, is raising more money, their earned income is doing extremely well. They haven't suffered, and so it was hard for us to be convinced that we must suffer."
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be New York's Carnegie Hall for the season Opening Night Gala October 3.
© 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
