Players' Proposal: $40.1M

DETROIT, Jan. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thursday, in a full day of negotiations, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) proposed to spend an average of $12 million annually on musician compensation during the next three years – precisely the $36 million publically accepted by the union.  The proposal included $2 million for extensive education and community engagement services throughout metro-Detroit and would result in annual player salaries of more than $87,000 for 34 weeks of work plus four weeks of paid vacation.  Total annual compensation including healthcare and retirement benefits would be $141,000.

The Players proposed that the DSO spend an average of $13.4 million annually, which equates to $40.1 million for 36 months of work.  The proposal includes nine weeks of paid vacation, and would effectively pay the musicians for the time spent on strike.  The Players' proposal included a salary of more than $96,000 for 37 weeks of work plus nine weeks of paid vacation.

Both offers were discussed during Thursday's full day of official bargaining under the auspices of federal mediator Mike Nowakowski.  At the conclusion of Thursday's session, Players and management agreed to reconvene at 9 am Friday morning.  Later Thursday night, the Players cancelled Friday's session.  A second proposal to meet the 36-month, $36 million requirement was expected from the Players Friday but was never received.  DSO continues to wait for a legitimate $36 million proposal that addresses in a substantial way the $2 million community and education imperative embraced by the DSO and demanded by its funders.

"Their conduct is baffling, considering that the Players had publically indicated their willingness to settle at $36 million.  We entered Thursday's negotiations with every hope of achieving an equitable agreement that would return concerts to Orchestra Hall immediately.  Their actions seriously impair the DSO's viability and call into to question their desire to end the strike," said Stanley Frankel, DSO Chairman.

The DSO eagerly awaits their proposal and genuinely looks forward to continuing negotiations.

SOURCE Detroit Symphony Orchestra

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