Spokane Symphony administration, musicians ratify three-year contract

The Spokane Symphony administration and symphony musicians, members of American Federation of Musicians Local 105, announced today that they ratified a new three-year contract last month.

According to a statement from Rachel Dorfman, secretary/treasurer of American Federation of Musicians Local 105, the contract includes a cost of living increase, Family Medical Leave Act language, processes that address air quality at outdoor concerts and scheduling language that will “help our musicians balance their multiple jobs so that it is more possible for them to be able to make a decent, living income.”

Spokane Symphony Executive Director Jeff vom Saal said this contract sets the symphony up for “continued organizational excellence.”

“Our goal is to attract and retain the very brightest, most talented and capable orchestra members possible, while remaining fiscally disciplined,” he said. “We also spent time crafting ways to ensure our orchestra members get the flexibility they need for their personal health and well-being, while allowing the symphony to continue presenting a wide range of concerts, programs and events at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox and elsewhere in the communities we serve.”

In 2012, contract disputes led orchestra musicians to strike, which resulted in canceled performances.

In other Spokane Symphony news, Cate Moye, past president of the symphony board of trustees and current Spokane Symphony Endowment Board Trustee will continue her role as a member of the Board of Directors for the League of American Orchestras.

Bruce Colquhoun, past president of the Spokane Symphony Associates, has been named to the League Volunteer Council, which uses ongoing education and communication to provide orchestra volunteers across the country with leadership skills and assistance, and vom Saal has been elected vice chair of Group 3-4, which represents orchestras with budget sizes comparable to Spokane.