Orchestra London Musicians Ratify New Agreement

March 1, 2007

The musicians and management of Orchestra London have finalized the terms for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, it was announced today.

"We are very happy to have reached a four-year agreement," says Executive Director Rob Gloor. "We can now focus all of our energies on our common objective…bringing great music to the community."

The new contract includes the current 2006/2007 season and extends through 2009/2010. The musicians will receive an average wage increase of 3.7% per year, plus improvements to pension and seniority benefits, and contributions to a new health plan.

Gloor acknowledges that the bargaining process was a long one. "Our challenge was to improve the overall well-being and development of the ensemble without exceeding the company’s financial capacity," Gloor says. "It took a lot of time and creativity, but we found an agreeable balance."

Sigmar Martin, chair of the Orchestra London Musicians Negotiating Committee, concurs. "The musicians wish to thank the audience and all supporters of the orchestra for their patience and concern throughout the bargaining process," he says. "We look forward to working together with the board and management to re-establish a positive environment conducive to excellence and growth in the organization."

A long bargaining process is not unusual in the world of orchestras, especially when negotiating a four year agreement, Gloor explains. "An orchestra’s contract is very complex," he says. "In these negotiations we made progress on a wide variety of issues that affect the musicians’ daily lives, and orchestra deserves every positive step we can reasonably afford."

Gloor concludes, "Orchestras across the country struggle to provide the best possible contracts for their professional musicians, and Orchestra London is no different. In reality, no contract can fully reflect the true value these artists bring to our community."

For more information, contact:
Rob Gloor, Executive Director, Orchestra London
Phone: 519.679.8558 x227 email: rgloor@orchestralondon.ca

Sig Martin, Chair, Orchestra London Musicians Negotiating Team
Phone: 519.318.9048 email: sigmar@sympatico.ca