Musicians of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra walk away from contract offer

For Immediate Release
October 1, 2008
Contact:  Doug Gerhart
    Executive Director
    Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
    608-257-0638

(MADISON, WI) — The musicians of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) today walked away from an employment proposal that offered increased wages, a new pension plan, increased guaranteed work, doubled mileage reimbursement, a job security clause, and countless other contract concessions.

“It is disheartening in these troubled times to have our musicians be unwilling to perform,” said Doug Gerhart, executive director of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. “We have been meeting for more than 8 months, and have offered wage increases, a pension plan, guaranteed work opportunities, increased meal allowances, decreased attendance requirements, excused absences, a screening committee for auditions, electronic media clauses, and job security provisions,” said Gerhart. “It is frustrating to be engaged in a bargaining process where there are no assurances that new concessions will result in a signed contract.”

Tom Grantham, WCO Board President, states, “We have a tremendous opportunity following our highly successful 25th Anniversary celebration of Concerts on the Square® to expand our mission, and share the remarkable talents of our musicians with our loyal audience. This contractual impasse is discouraging and we hope the musicians will soon begin to work with us to protect and grow this popular institution that we have all worked so hard to create. The WCO Board fully supports the WCO management and staff, as well as the expertise of the law firm of Foley & Lardner.”

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is a professional chamber orchestra dedicated to providing high quality musical performances designed to entertain, inform and enrich the quality of life of diverse local and regional audiences. Well known for Concerts on the Square® held at the State Capitol for six consecutive Wednesdays each summer, the WCO produces 24 concerts annually, including an indoor Masterworks series, holiday concerts, youth concerts, and run-out performances around the state. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is entering its 49th concert year and is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in contract negotiations?
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) contract with the musicians was scheduled to expire on August 31, 2008.  In that contract, ratified in 2003, the core musicians were given a 244% wage increase over the last 5 years, making them one of the highest compensated part-time orchestras in the United States.

Why is the WCO having such trouble securing a contract?
Beginning 12 months ago, the WCO attempted to begin negotiations with the musicians. Despite its best efforts, the first meeting with the musicians on a new contract was not until February, 2008.  During subsequent sessions, little progress was made in the negotiation process, and at one point, the musicians walked out on the federal mediator whom they had requested.

Today, the WCO finds itself in a critical situation with the Madison community. The orchestra is scheduled to perform a series of concerts this fall, beginning Friday, October 3, 2008. Due to the musician strike, the WCO may be forced to cancel the October Masterworks performance, and potentially, its popular Halloween concert, impacting several thousand concert-goers.

What concessions has the WCO made?

  • Wages
  • Pension Plan
  • Yearly work opportunities
  • Mileage
  • Meal Allowances
  • Minimum Attendance Requirements
  • Excused Absences
  • Screening Committee for auditions
  • Electronic Media clauses
  • Job Security provisions

Despite making significant progress, on Monday, September 29th, 2008 on virtually all economic issues, the musicians insisted on a response to the following issues: minimum percentage of playing responsibilities, job security, and electronic media agreements. The WCO sent a complete proposal at 3:07 p.m. today addressing each of these issues. At 3:54 p.m. the WCO received a counter-proposal insisting that the WCO respond in six minutes or face a walkout. The WCO’s response was that its representatives would continue to negotiate tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., as scheduled several weeks ago.

In light of today’s economic challenges, the WCO proposal is more than generous. To refuse this proposal is short sighted, and to make further demands is completely unrealistic.

What will the WCO do now?

A work action does not benefit anyone involved — the WCO, the musicians, vendors who benefit from the concert, and most importantly, our growing and loyal audience who support the Orchestra. Since the musicians have decided to strike, the WCO may be forced to cancel future concerts and will have a difficult time planning for any future events, including the Concerts on the Square® series. We are hopeful that the musicians will understand the fairness in the most recent offer and will take pride in our shared vision to develop this orchestra to its fullest potential.

Facts about the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

 History

  • Established in 1960, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) is a homegrown Madison institution that has become an integral part of community life through its musical excellence, committed volunteerism, and broad appeal.

Organizational Structure

  • There is a “core” orchestra of 34 musicians who are affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians. The WCO also employs seasonal musicians and crew for various performances.
  • Currently the WCO employs seven full-time staff in addition to its music director and five part-time staff. Approximately 175 volunteers provide the WCO with more than 2,500 hours of support on an annual basis.
  • A 15 person Board of Directors, made up of prominent community leaders, oversees the implementation of the WCO mission and vision.

Performance Highlights

  • Since 1980, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra has offered a full subscription season of indoor concerts featuring guest artists and ensembles. Today, the WCO averages 24 performances annually, with each performance designed to enrich, inform and entertain diverse local and regional audiences.
  • In the summer of 1984, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra launched its first season of Concerts on the Square®. Today, Concerts on the Square® draws an annual audience of 120,000 people to the State Capitol grounds for a summer of free music, picnicking, and community gathering.
  • Other popular performances each year include our family Halloween and Blue Jeans concerts, Middleton Holiday Pops, The Nutcracker Ballet, our series of youth concerts, and several other appearances across the state.
  • In addition, the WCO has released three CD’s during the last 5 years, including the critically acclaimed “Mozart: The Early Concerti” released in 2008 on the international VAI label.