by Rob Knopper
The Atlanta Symphony Musicians were locked out on the morning of September 7th. This means that, after decades of securing a financially feasible way of life, and two years after taking deep concessionary cuts to salary, weeks of work, and number of musicians in the orchestra, they are once again being asked for more.
This hits a sore spot for the MET Orchestra Musicians. Our recent labor dispute went right to the brink. After months of public disputes, we agreed to a concessionary contract that calls for extensive oversight of our management.
Much of the power that musicians wield comes from a simple concept: together we are stronger than we are individually. We saw that, with a unanimous strike authorization vote in May, and a deep confidence in our fellow orchestra members and elected committee members, we were able to stand up in the face of extreme, career-altering demands from our management.
In the same way that internal solidarity helps us in times of need, we felt the support of other orchestras, community members, and classical music fans through email, social media, and on the Internet. Additionally, we started to see many bloggers and politicians give us their support. This support wasn't just helpful - it was essential.
Public support may have been what tipped the balance in our case, and we know from the depths of our own negotiating experience how it can help. Here is what that you can do to help the Atlanta Symphony Musicians during this difficult time:
http://www.metorchestramusicians.org/blog/2014/9/8/how-you-can-help-the-atl-symphony-musicians
The Atlanta Symphony Musicians were locked out on the morning of September 7th. This means that, after decades of securing a financially feasible way of life, and two years after taking deep concessionary cuts to salary, weeks of work, and number of musicians in the orchestra, they are once again being asked for more.
This hits a sore spot for the MET Orchestra Musicians. Our recent labor dispute went right to the brink. After months of public disputes, we agreed to a concessionary contract that calls for extensive oversight of our management.
Much of the power that musicians wield comes from a simple concept: together we are stronger than we are individually. We saw that, with a unanimous strike authorization vote in May, and a deep confidence in our fellow orchestra members and elected committee members, we were able to stand up in the face of extreme, career-altering demands from our management.
In the same way that internal solidarity helps us in times of need, we felt the support of other orchestras, community members, and classical music fans through email, social media, and on the Internet. Additionally, we started to see many bloggers and politicians give us their support. This support wasn't just helpful - it was essential.
Public support may have been what tipped the balance in our case, and we know from the depths of our own negotiating experience how it can help. Here is what that you can do to help the Atlanta Symphony Musicians during this difficult time:
http://www.metorchestramusicians.org/blog/2014/9/8/how-you-can-help-the-atl-symphony-musicians
RSS Feed