President's Report
… Pamphlet B negotiations finished … Negotiations finished recently and the
Federation is in the process of determining eligibility for the ratification
process. The possibility of getting a "tiered" system of scales on a nationwide
basis was dropped as it was impossible to reconcile such a broad based issue at
these negotiations. Because no tiered scale structure was reached, we will be
meeting with PTG / SFX / Clear Channel to negotiate that portion of a successor
agreement upon ratification of the national agreement. …
PTG/SFX/ Clear Channel
Lawsuit … We have been able to procure an agreement with PTG/SFX/Clear Channel
to once again put the lawsuit on the back-burner until we’ve had a chance to
finish negotiating a new agreement. They have retained the right to re-file the
suit if a successor agreement cannot be reached. …Palm Beach Opera… Our
congratulations to the orchestra as they have voted to join the Regional
Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA) and have elected Rochelle Gnagey-Skolnick
to represent them at the upcoming conference in Ottawa this August. We are
continuing to finalize a number of issues in a sideletter to the contract; we
expect to have this signed shortly. In addition, we have resolved the pension
contribution problem that arose during the initial season. Our thanks go the
management for their co-operation in this matter and our special thanks to K.C.
in the Finance Dept. …Florida Philharmonic Orchestra… The problem with the
"missing weeks" of pension contributions has been resolved satisfactorily. In
addition, we are hopeful that the signing of the finalized CBA is eminent and
will have been finished by the time you read this article. … Miami Chamber
Symphony … The new CBA is finished and will be presented to the musicians at
their next service. Special thanks to Stuart MacDonald for his assistance in
this matter. … Pension Fund … There appears to be widespread misunderstanding of
our pension fund. Actually, it borders on a total lack of understanding! If
everyone truly understood just how good our pension fund is, there would be so
much more work done with contracts and the benefits you so richly deserve! Space
doesn’t allow for a comprehensive discussion in this forum, but know that I am
available anytime to discuss this with you one-on-one, or as a group. … Ben Ford
& Larry Ledwon … We collectively mourn the deaths of Larry and "Gentle Ben".
Each was a true "gentle" man and they will be missed by all that knew them, and
possibly even more by those that didn’t get to know them. … I’ll stay in touch;
you do the same …
Write reply
Comments must be approved before being published.
