President's Report
… from the frying pan into the fire … The coincidence of having the two Collective Bargaining Agreements most in need of fixing result in strikes is both gut-wrenching and fulfilling. To watch families struggle in order to improve substandard wages is difficult to watch, but at the same time, seeing musicians standing together with the common goal of respect in the workplace and a decent salary for the professionalism they bring to the workplace is extremely fulfilling. I don’t wish work stoppages on anyone, they are taxing at best, but when confronted with the lack of logic and understanding on the part of management that we have witnessed, they seem unavoidable.
… Florida Philharmonic Orchestra … Their strike was recently settled with the ultimate "gun to the head" ploy; management’s "either sign or we’ll fold the orchestra" gambit had the desired effect of dividing the orchestra. The salary increases had long been agreed to, so this final ploy was only about the lack of respect for the musicians. Even the management of some major orchestras we spoke with found their tactics disgusting and vindictive. The salary increases gained will help, but only time will tell if the pain inflicted on the musicians has a lasting effect .
… SFX … The ultimate lunacy is SFX having spent many times the salary increase asked for by our professional musicians on scab musicians, lawyers, and police protection. SFX has paid triple the amount normally paid to our professionals to bring in ‘scabs’ that are barely beyond the level of a middle school band. We are gathering the names of all the ‘scabs’ and will distribute them so that they don’t take work from our musicians again. Our sincerest thanks to all that walked the picket lines and handed out flyers. A special ‘thank-you’ to Theodore Bikel for his outspoken support of the Local 655 musicians during the "Fiddler On The Roof" run at Kravis.
… the holidays are upon us … Despite all the chaos, please take time with your families during the holidays to be thankful for all the good we do enjoy. Happy Holidays to you and yours … I’ll stay in touch; you do the same …
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