More pay cuts at the ASO
In reductions that add up to a combined savings of $4.2 million over the next four years, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced additional pay cuts, furloughs, and hiring freezes today that include musicians.
The Orchestra’s musicians have ratified an agreement to modify the current four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (effective through the 2010-11 season), and take a reduction in contracted compensation during the 2009 fiscal year, joining the ASO’s executive and artistic leadership and administration in previously announced pay cuts, furloughs, and hiring freezes. The musicians have agreed to a 5% reduction in contracted compensation for fiscal year 2009 (which ends May 31, 2009), proportionate to the ASO staff pay cuts for the same basic period — Vice Presidents will take a 6% pay cut, and all other employees will take a 5% pay cut. President and CEO Allison Vulgamore will take a minimum of 10% compensation reduction for each of the fiscal years 2009 and 2010. Music Director Robert Spano will take a 7% compensation reduction in fiscal year 2009, and a 14% compensation reduction in fiscal year 2010. The entire ASO artistic conducting staff will also join in the cost-saving measures through compensation reductions. The Orchestra’s participation will contribute an additional $81,000 against the fiscal year 2009 deficit, totaling $1.4 million in institutional cost-saving measures for 2009. Musician salaries will be fully reinstated beginning June 1, 2009 and extending through August 29, 2009 (the end of the musicians’ 2008-09 contract-year).
Additionally, the free summer concert series in Piedmont Park and a "not-yet-announced" tour to China with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, among other things, have been cancelled for 2009. The bright side for symphony goers — regular discounts on ticket prices.