Coleman, SPCO negotiators celebrate agreement
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St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman on Wednesday congratulated musicians and management at the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for reaching a tentative labor agreement which could allow for the resumption of SPCO concerts.
It is not yet clear, however, when concerts will resume.
Under the deal announced Tuesday night, musicians will take a $15,000 cut in annual pay, and the size of the orchestra will be reduced by six players to 28.
Speaking at a press conference at the Ordway Center, Coleman acknowledged musicians and management had to deal with tough financial realities.
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"This is a discussion that I think has been difficult but necessary," Coleman said. "The fact of the matter is the financial circumstances of orchestras across the country have changed dramatically."
Interim SPCO President Dobson West said there are logistical problems to overcome before concerts resume, not least that musicians are spread across the country doing fill-in work to earn money during the lock-out.
"We will work tirelessly, as I know the musicians will, to get back on stage as quickly as possible," West said. "But we can't give you a time frame yet."
Musicians still have to vote on the contract, but will not do that until after management has reached an agreement with the national American Federation of Musicians on Internet and broadcast rights to SPCO material.
