SPCO management: Counter-proposal does not meet savings mark
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra management says a contract counter-proposal from the musicians' negotiating committee still does not save enough to meet the orchestra's needs.
The musicians' proposal Tuesday offered pay cuts totaling $700,000 over three years. The offer also used a fund earmarked for musician buyouts to make savings of $1.5 million a year. Musicians say that is how they will meet the savings mark management says it needs to make the SPCO financially stable.
However in a message posted on the SPCO website, interim-President Dobson West said the musicians' offer overlooked additional costs resulting from their proposal. Ultimately, the latest offer will cost more than the current contract, he said. Management has proposed a 15 percent cut in guaranteed salaries and a reduction to the size of the orchestra.
West said he still hopes to find a workable agreement with musicians by the Sept. 30 deadline.
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