Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians OK Contract Extension
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Orchestra management and musicians have agreed to extend the current contract into November to prevent a strike while talks on a new labor agreement continue.
Musicians okayed the contract extension in Vail, the first stop on a national summer tour that includes stops in Quebec and Saratoga Springs.
Cellist Jon Koen, chairman of the musicians committee, said the extension insures that, at least, the summer tour will continue without interruption.
"The extension allows both sides a bit of extra time to try to come to a deal. If we're able to come to a deal that protects the music, then we will certainly put our best efforts forth to do that."
Koen said that musicians are concerned that the Orchestra Association's proposal for a new contract -- with lower wages -- would make it difficult to attract top-tier musicians.
The Orchestra is currently in bankruptcy court because declining revenue has led to structural budget deficits. Even with the extension, Orchestra management can ask the bankruptcy judge to impose new terms if there's no new agreement by August 22, the day the Orchestra leaves for Europe.
Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio.
