The new contract comes after several weeks of the threat of a strike and months of tension.
From The Philadelphia Inquirer
by Rita Giordano
Published Oct. 22, 2023, 12:03 a.m. ET
More than a month after their last contract expired and over two months after a strike authorization vote, the union musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra finally approved a new contract Saturday night.
The players ratified an agreement with their Philadelphia Orchestra-Kimmel Center (POKC) Inc. bosses that addresses many of the American Federation of Musicians Local 77′s chief demands.
“We are an ensemble, and we stuck together and refused to accept substandard deal after substandard deal. This contract is a victory for the present and future for the Philadelphia Orchestra and its world-class musicians,” said David Fay, who plays double bass and is chair of the orchestra’s Members Committee.
“It includes the largest base salary increase that we have seen in recent memory, necessary improvements to work rules, and pay parity for the substitute and extra musicians that work tirelessly to preserve the sound of our ensemble.”
Read the entire article on The Philadelphia Inquirer website: https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-orchestra-contract-labor-kimmel-center-20231022.html