“Musicians of the Pasadena Symphony and POPS orchestras voted Friday [Dec. 1] to authorize a strike, potentially halting concerts during the popular holiday season and into the New Year,” reads an unsigned December 3 article at Pasadena Now (Pasadena, CA). “Pasadena Symphony musicians have been without a contract since September of 2015, when their last agreement expired, according to the American Federation of Musicians Local 47. The union said that ten years ago, when the orchestra faced financial uncertainty, the musicians did everything possible to ensure the orchestra’s survival: absorbing cost-saving cuts, forgoing raises for years, even playing without compensation…. Since that financial crisis, however, the union claims the musicians’ wages have increased only 6%, falling far behind cost of living which has spiked over 20% during the same period…. If no agreement is reached, a walkout could happen as soon as this month, the union said in a press release, potentially putting over 70 freelance musicians out of a job.… Currently there is no date set for the next round of negotiations.” Pasadena Symphony Association Chief Executive Lora Unger said, “We hope to have an agreement in place soon. When appropriate, the PSA will release more information.”
Posted December 12, 2017
