[San Francisco] Harmony between symphony, musicians in peril

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 1/23/6 | Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross

[SmithL]

Union says proposed pay pact not on par with other orchestras

The San Francisco Symphony's musicians are about to hit a very sour note, threatening to call off their first performance in China next month unless they score a better-sounding contract.

In a confidential memo sent out to the symphony's 103 musicians over the weekend and obtained by The Chronicle, the union's negotiating committee said management's proposed pay and benefits package was inferior to those of other leading U.S. orchestras.

Not that the musicians are laboring for starvation wages. They earn an average of $112,320 a year, and under management's proposal would get a raise to $115,960 this year and jump to $129,220 in the third year, sources familiar with the talks say.

By comparison, Boston and Los Angeles musicians now make $121,888, New York's $118,092, and Chicago and Philadelphia a bit less than those in the Big Apple, according to the union's calculations.

San Francisco's Musicians Union Local 6 says its members have been working without a contract since Thanksgiving, and despite their willingness to continue playing through the holidays, there have been no serious discussions since talks broke off Dec. 4.

"If management fails to make an acceptable offer to the musicians by the end of the month,'' the negotiating committee said in its memo, union brass "will recommend that the musicians don't travel to Asia for our upcoming Far East tour.''

[starfish923]

This happens like clockwork at the end of every union contract.
Michael Tilson Thomas, our fruitcake conductor, will be a large part of the settlement picture.

I really disliked MTT when he first took over the San Francisco Symphony. He came in a screaming queen, squeaking, screeching, flapping and grinning like a monkey.

Over the years he has toned down his homosexuality 100% and focused on music 100%.
I don't dislike him anymore. He's done more good than harm. Lord, I never thought I would be saying those words. Lol.