Los Angeles Philharmonic: New Labor Agreement

Minnesota Orchestra Association, take note: The LAPO and its musicians have a new labor agreement, reached with no fuss, no muss, no strike, no walkout, no lockout.

Congratulations, LAPO management and musicians alike, for the agreement and for setting a good example in so many ways.

Here's the whole press release, which quite properly mentions the "collegial spirit" of the negotiations; the one item I am seriously curious about is the "restructured" health care offerings:

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC ASSOCIATION

AND

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC MUSICIANS

RATIFY NEW FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT

September 16, 2013—The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association (LA Phil) and Professional Musicians, Local 47, today jointly announced an agreement on a new four-year labor contract, effective immediately.

“The collegial spirit in which issues were addressed and a new contract reached are emblematic of the collective commitment of the musicians, Gustavo Dudamel, and the board and staff of the LA Phil to maintain the very finest musical organization. It is my privilege to work with as fine a group of artists and people as one can imagine,” said Deborah Borda, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

Vince Trombetta, President of Professional Musicians, Local 47, praised the hard work and diligence of the Union’s bargaining committee and stated: “We are extremely pleased that the bargaining teams for the Union and the Association have reached agreement on a new contract for the talented musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and that our members enthusiastically ratified the contract. Both sides want the same thing: to employ musicians of the highest caliber and protect their wages, benefits, and safety conditions and have the best Orchestra in the world. The Union is encouraged that the parties were able to join together and overcome the obstacles present in today’s difficult bargaining and economic environment.”

Highlights of the new four-year agreement include:

·     annual increases to the musicians’ minimum weekly scale wages, which, in the final year of the contract, will increase to $2968.00.

·     managing the Association’s healthcare expenses through restructured healthcare plan offerings.

·    additional compensation elements include a housing allowance and new contributions to a 403(b).

###

9.16.2013