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Home » Orchestra News » Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Bargains for Fair Contract


Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Bargains for Fair Contract

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Having performed without a contract since the end of July, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) musicians continue to negotiate for a fair agreement.

FWSO

Leaflet crew ready to tell patrons that the Musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra are united for a fair and progressive contract.

Some progress was made during two days of talks in early November, but the musicians are still facing cuts of almost 9%. We are currently awaiting management’s response to their latest proposal; negotiations were scheduled to resume in mid-November.

The musicians’ 2010 contract cut pay by 13.5%, with only a 3.5% restoration over several years beginning in 2012.

The organization alleges six-figure deficits in recent years and a $5 million drop in its endowment funds. Musicians are calling on management to outline a comprehensive fundraising plan that will grow the orchestra on pace with the growth of its city.

Orchestra musicians spoke to audience members from the stage before beginning a concert, performed a flash mob in early November, and have been active on social media with the hashtag #growthnotcuts, in order to get their message out to their community and fellow musicians.

Read more about what these musicians are doing to bring attention to their cause in AFM President Ray Hair’s December column on page two.







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