PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The union representing local musicians has rejected the latest contract proposal from the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. management.
Members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 77 have been negotiating since May. Their contract expired last month.
On Saturday, 91% of union members voted against the orchestra’s second contract offer.
William Polk, a violinist on the negotiating committee, said they are asking for an increase in base salary, cleaned-up work rules, and better pay for substitute musicians. They are about 15 players short of the full complement.
Polk said orchestra and symphony groups in other cities make thousands of dollars more, and they want to continue to attract the best musicians.
“Of course we don’t want to strike,” he said. “A strike is like a disaster. But we can’t be just stonewalled either. We can’t just be ignored and treated like little children — you pat them on the head, ‘There, there. I hear what you’re saying, but we’re not going to do anything you say.’”
In a statement, orchestra management said it was disappointed the union rejected the contract, as it offered an “additional investment of $11.9 million in the musicians during the three-year agreement.”
Prior to turning down the deal, the union on Friday filed charges of unfair labor practices against Philadelphia Orchestra management, claiming it negotiated in bad faith.
The union has authorized a strike if and when it deems it necessary.