The musicians of the Seattle Symphony could become the next
group of US orchestral players to face a work stoppage after voting
on and approving a 'strike authorisation' yesterday.
The Seattle Symphony and Opera Players' Organization (SSOPO) has
been negotiating with both the Symphony and Opera managements since
the summer on a new collective bargaining agreement. In a statement
on its website, the SSOPO explained that the latest contract offer
from management calls for a 15 per cent reduction in overall player
compensation over the 2012–13 season. This proposed reduction comes
after years of financial concessions made by the musicians, said
the SSOPO, noting that players had saved the Symphony more than
$9.6m since 2005, not including the savings resulting from
musicians' increased share of healthcare costs.
Seattle Symphony cellist David Sabee said: 'The Seattle Symphony is
one of the highest earned income-producing orchestras in the
country and is forecasted to again have a balanced budget in the
2012–13 season. We are proud of the contribution our past
concessions have made toward balancing the budget, and see no
reason that continued pay cuts should be necessary.'
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