Symphony musicians agree to pay freeze

Sep 20, 2009

Author: JIm Kershner

Position: Staff Writer

Source: Spokesman Review

Spokane Symphony musicians have agreed to a pay freeze this season as a way to help with the orchestra’s well-publicized budget woes.

The musicians, members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 105, agreed to forego the 3 percent raise they would have received this year, the final year of their four-year contract.

This new agreement, confirmed by majority vote, calls for a freeze this year and a one-year extension of the contract, which means the raise will be delayed until the 2010-11 season.

The original contract also called for an increase in “services” this season – meaning the addition of more contracted dates – but that, too, will be delayed for a year.

In a joint statement issued by the symphony, a representative of the musicians, Adam Wallstein, said “the musicians have recognized the need to temporarily apply the brakes to the current contract and the vital growth it constitutes.”

He said it will be difficult for the musicians, but “the necessity for the orchestra to regain a stronger fiscal footing is compelling.”

Brenda Nienhouse, the symphony’s executive director, thanked the musicians for their support and said that “we recognize the significance of this financial and personal commitment.”

The economic downturn has hit the symphony hard, with a drop in both contributions and tickets sales last season. The symphony ended the season with a 5 percent budget deficit and has taken a number of steps to get its books back into balance for 2009-2010.

This summer, the symphony announced a salary cut for administrative staff and conductors. The orchestra also made several alterations in the season’s concert lineup to reduce costs.