May 10, 2005
COLUMBUS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESS RELEASE:
For Immediate Release:
(614) 228-9600
Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Union Announce Agreement
(Columbus, OH) - The union representatives of the musicians and management of
the Columbus Symphony Orchestra announced today that they have agreed to a revised
collective bargaining agreement, effective immediately and continuing through
August, 2008.
The musicians and the CSO Board of Trustees voted to accept the new agreement
which calls for reductions in the length of the season and benefit cuts representing
a concession by the musicians of $1.3 million over the next two and one-half
years.
"The board and management of the Columbus Symphony
Orchestra are pleased that we have been able to put the extended and difficult
period of negotiations with the musicians behind us," said Fordham
E. Huffman, Chair, CSO Board of Trustees. "We have sought the concessions
that have been achieved as a critical step in moving the institution toward
sustainable financial health. We understand that the concessions represent a
substantial sacrifice by our musicians, and we are grateful for that sacrifice,"
Huffman continued.
"The work of the institution now turns to securing additional and reliable
sources of revenue and reforming the orchestra to prosper and excel in the twenty-first
century. We look forward to this work, which will involve the Board of Trustees,
the staff, the musicians, and the entire community," added Huffman.
Douglas J. Fisher, President of the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, Local
#103, American Federation of Musicians and bassoonist in the orchestra remarked,
"Accepting these concessions is very painful for us. With these cuts, we
expect the board to secure the orchestra's future."
The entire CSO family extends its thanks to our patrons, volunteers, and contributors
for their ongoing support. The 2005-2006 season will be announced the week of
May 16th.