SLSO, musicians union reach new labor agreement

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/09/17/daily53.html

St. Louis Business Journal - 4:52 PM CDT Thursday, September 20, 2007

The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) and orchestra musicians from Local 2-197 reached a new labor agreement extending into until 2010, Cynthia Brinkley, SLSO chairman of the board of trustees, announced Thursday.

The contract calls for a 1 percent salary increase in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, provides for a pension contribution of 5 percent of base salary each season and an increase in per diem rates while on tour.

Orchestra musicians currently earn a base salary of $76,000 for the 2007-08 season. That will increase to $77,530 in the 2009-10 season under the new agreement's terms. The current contract was set to expire Sept. 7, 2008.

"This new agreement is a real testament to the willingness of the musicians to recognize how vital the goal of stability is for this organization," Brinkley said in a statement. "Over the last few years we have faced some monumental financial and artistic challenges, and this organization continues to succeed because the management and musicians have formed a partnership to meet those challenges as one. This agreement will allow us to continue focusing on meeting our financial challenges and fulfilling our mission of providing inspiring music and outreach partnerships within this community."

The SLSO's 40th season in Powell Symphony Howell kicks off Sept. 22.