PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The union representing orchestra musicians in the Philly Pops wants guarantees that all of the performers will be brought back if the company is revived.
The Pops announced in November it will cease operations at the end of the 2022-23 season after more than 40 years. A majority of union members said they are in favor of authorizing a strike, if necessary.
Bargaining negotiations are underway.
“We are doing everything we can to make sure that any potential entity and town who may pick up where the Pops left off, that they utilize the musicians that are in this Pops orchestra as it is now, using the same contract or better,” said Jarred Antonacci, secretary and treasurer of Philadelphia Musicians’ Union Local 77.
He said they were blindsided by the announcement of the closure, which happened during contract negotiations. The union’s biggest goal now is to secure a successor agreement and acknowledgment of the current permanent roster of musicians.
“Yes, we love what we do. We’re blessed to do what we do. But these are also people who have dedicated their lives to their craft,” he said. “These folks don’t just play in the Pops full time. These musicians in town need to obviously work in a multitude of ensembles, a multitude of things to piece together an income.”
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Antonacci is cautiously optimistic about the progress that’s been made. Karen Corbin, Pops COO, said they are hopeful a positive resolution will come soon.
Earlier this week, 95% of union members voted to authorize a strike, if that became necessary.
“We’ve thus-far been able to avoid a strike,” said Antonacci. “And while that possibility remains, we’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll reach a tentative agreement in the near future.”