Double Times

FPO Bankruptcy

The Florida Philharmonic bankruptcy is nearing its conclusion. The hearing to confirm the liquidation plan will be on February 23, and should the plan be confirmed, which we expect, creditors should be receiving claims payments in March. We expect the musicians to receive on average $12,500.

PBO Negotiations

Palm Beach Opera negotiations will begin soon, and the Orchestra Committee has begun surveying members on their concerns. If you have performed with PBO and have concerns you would like addressed, please forward them to the committee or the Local.

Renaissance Orchestra(s)

We have filed for arbitration over the unpaid wages. Also, as the new RCO appears to be the “alter-ego” of the old RCO, we have requested that the new orchestra honor the old orchestra’s contract; they refused, and we have filed an Unfair Labor Practice against them.

SSD/ICSOM Meetings

The meetings with Symphonic Services Director Laura Brownell and ICSOM Chairman Jan Gippo were both informative and productive. Thanks to all of the members who sent us their concerns or were able to attend. We had an opportunity to discuss outsourcing issues, bringing a resident full-time orchestra back to south Florida, public relations, building solidarity, and getting more work under contract. We’ve got a lot of work before us, but if we all stand together, we can accomplish much.