Cleveland Orchestra management and musicians reach agreement

CLEVELAND, January 19, 2010 ’Äì The Musicians’Äô Union and Management of The Cleveland Orchestra reached an agreement early this morning for a new three-year contract through September 2, 2012.  

The agreement calls for a two-year wage freeze through August 2011, followed by semi-annual wage increases of 3% and 2% in the subsequent year.  In addition, the Musicians will donate up to 10 services, which will provide cost relief and additional revenue for the Musical Arts Association.  Musicians will increase their medical premium contribution beginning in July 2011. 

The agreement was announced by the Musicians’Äô Committee Chairman, Jeffrey Rathbun, and the Orchestra’Äôs Executive Director, Gary Hanson. 

Mr. Rathbun said, ’ÄúWe are very happy that management has heard our message and agreed not to further erode our base compensation allowing us to stay as competitive as possible with the marketplace.  We look forward to working together to build our base of support and continue our tradition of excellence.’Äù

Mr. Hanson said, ’ÄúBoth sides worked effectively through a difficult process to reach an unprecedented agreement that will do much to help the Association’Äôs finances going forward.  I am very grateful for the Musicians’Äô passion and abiding concern for the Orchestra’Äôs artistic excellence.’Äù 

The agreement was ratified by the musicians on Tuesday afternoon at Severance Hall.  The agreement brings an end to a strike by the Union representing the musicians, Local 4 of the American Federation of Musicians, which began at midnight on January 18.  The short strike caused the postponement of a scheduled Residency by the Orchestra at Indiana University.  The Orchestra’Äôs Miami Residency performances will proceed as scheduled.

The Orchestra Committee negotiating on behalf of the Musicians also included Mary Kay Fink, Eli Matthews, Jonathan Sherwin, and Paul Yancich, represented by attorney Bruce Simon.  The negotiating team for Management included Gary Ginstling, James Menger, and Karen Tucholski, represented by attorney Frank Buck.

Negotiations were assisted by FMCS Mediators Jack Buettner and Laura Shepard, who provided tireless and invaluable service in helping the parties reach agreement.