The Philadelphia Orchestra Association announced the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with their musicians, effective September 14, 2015, through September 11, 2016. Under the terms of the agreement, annual salaries for the musicians will rise 3%. In addition, the musicians’ healthcare will move to a consumer-driven plan, with the Association investing in health savings accounts for each musician. The Association will audition for one position during the course of this contract, reducing the hiring freeze implemented in 2010 from 10 to nine positions.
So it’s less money for the musicians, and consequently observers fear that a number of musicians will leave for better salaries in other orchestras or Conservatories. The same observers say that the orchestra’s main problem is its under-capitalization. It has raised only $20 million in new endowment money in a year and the needs are said to be at least $200 million.
