Symphonic Shorts

FPO Bankruptcy Update

Twenty FPO members met on February 18, including OC members Geoff Hale, Jay Bertolet, and Carole Simmons, as well as members of the Executive Board. The OC and Board recommended to fight rejection of the CBA in order to preserve union recognition (the obligation to negotiate with the Union) and to require a reorganized FPO to hire former FPO musicians, and all present unanimously agreed that this was the best course of action. Specifically, the Local will request that the FPO return to the bargaining table to negotiate a "bare bones" contract which preserves musicians� right of first refusal and the obligation to bargain with the union.

A meeting was held on February 23rd, between representatives Cliff Walker and Jeff Apana from Local 655, Geoff Hale and Jay Bertolet from the FPO OC, and legal council Bob Sugarman and his assistant and former FPO Board Chairman Dan Lewis and FPO attorneys Brian Gart his assistant. Discussed at length was the proposed "bare bones" CBA. The end result of those discussions was that Gart amended the Disclosure Statement to include language stating that the FPO expects to negotiate a replacement CBA rather than moving to reject the current CBA. That negotiation is expected to take place in mid-March.

At the Bankruptcy hearing on February 26, Gart announced the closing of the sale of the rehearsal hall and that, after paying the lien held on the property, the closing netted over $1.0 million for the estate. The total assets of the estate are between $1.6 and $1.7 million, not including the endowment. The FPO also proposed turning the endowment fund over to the Community Foundation of Broward, which is a professional endowment managing firm, to professionally manage the FPO endowment.

The negotiations are in the most preliminary stages and we will keep you informed as the situation progresses. As always, call the Local or the Orchestra Committee if you have any questions.

Thanks to Jay Bertolet for his assistance in preparing this article.

News & Announcements

The Concert Association of Florida has received a challenge grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. Blue Cross Blue Shield led the drive off with a $100,000 contribution and will match one dollar for every two dollars received, up to $300,000.

New Study Shows Arts Are Valued

A Performing Arts Research Coalition survey of Twin Cities (MN) residents reported that eighty-five percent agreed that performing arts improve the quality of life, and 92% felt that the arts contribute to the education and development of children. The survey was funded by a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts, and also surveyed ten other communities, including Sarasota (FL).