Last week management resubmitted the same proposal--an 8.7% pay cut. But Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians had another song to play. Watch it now!
#GrowthNotCuts
#GrowthNotCuts
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Yesterday in negotiations we expected a financial counter-proposal from management but instead received a re-submission of their last proposal from October 19, 2015. Management continues to demand that the musicians of the orchestra take an 8.7% pay cut.
Five years ago Monday, we took a 13.5% cut to help with the symphony’s bottom line. What management is now requesting amounts to a cumulative 22.8% cut since 2010 adjusted for inflation. FWSO management insists we accept these severe cuts, yet they still have not produced a comprehensive fundraising plan to support Fort Worth's world-class symphony. Balancing the budget on the backs of the musicians is unconscionable. Our community deserves the critically-acclaimed orchestra that musicians and civic leaders have spent decades building. Today we took to the streets of downtown Fort Worth with a surprise performance to stand in unity for a fair and progressive contract. As many of you know by now, the orchestra is facing cuts of almost 9%, having already been cut by 13.5% five years ago. This the official short video--view the full version here. We ask you to enjoy and share, and to stand for #GrowthNotCuts in thriving Fort Worth, Texas!
Negotiations continued on November 3rd and 4th. Musicians presented a second financial counterproposal and we are awaiting management's response. We continue to make some progress, but musicians are concerned that we still haven't seen a comprehensive plan for growing our orchestra.
Other orchestras have gone through tough times in the recession and are now seeing record turnarounds, including successful endowment fund campaigns and long-range development planning. Those orchestras have succeeded in overcoming adversity with a positive vision working in collaboration with musicians. Management claims that in Fort Worth "we're not growing and neither is anyone else." But according to the City of Fort Worth website, downtown Fort Worth is the largest job center in Tarrant County with 44,000 jobs and $2.6 billion dollars in revenue. Surely the city that Forbes Magazine rated the "Fastest Growing City in Texas Since the Recession" can sustain a world-class orchestra. |
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September 2016
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