NYCB Orchestra dispute not over

by a long shot.

From Slipped Disc:

Two weeks ago the company told its musicians they would not receive pay for the past 18 months.

Now it is informing them of disciplinary action if they do not return to work.

To the NYCB Orchestra Committee:

    It has come to our attention that you are instructing orchestra members not to submit attendance sheets for the Fall Season.  That action violates the no-strike provision of our CBA, and the Ballet will seek damages against the union and union representatives unless the Committee reverses that instruction.  In addition, orchestra members who comply with that instruction will be disciplined.  We are forwarding this email to each member of the orchestra to ensure that they understand the consequences that will result from complying with the Committee’s instruction.”

–Brooks

Brooks Parsons

Senior Director of Operations

NEW YORK CITY BALLET

$220 million sitting in an endowment.

“What are you waiting for? What are you saving for? Now is all there is,” somebody once said.

We are exactly four weeks from opening night.

Pay the orchestra, dammit!

 

Comments

[yukionna]

I wonder why there is not much media coverage on this. It's so shameful.

I guess labor rights aren't woke enough.

[Haglund]

Probably right.

I see that the same union (Local 802 AFM) just reached a new deal on behalf of the Met Opera Orchestra. Previously, the opera agreed to pay members of the various unions half-pay or thereabouts during this year's layoff if they would just come back to the negotiating table. Seems like a good way to get something done and that it was designed to promote good will between management and artists.

The Met Opera Orchestra will give two free performances of Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony in Damrosch Park on September 4th and 5th. They should pipe it everywhere throughout the Lincoln Center campus and out onto W. 62nd St where I'll probably be hanging.

[nybowperson]

Haglund, as a professional orchestral musician, thank you for the recognition you give to and your support of live music. It's scary out there in my world and your voice is appreciated.

[Haglund]

It's my pleasure.