Two years ago, contract negotiations between the Jacksonville Symphony Association and the musicians were bitter.
The musicians accused symphony negotiators of bad faith bargaining after its board declared an impasse and cut the players’ base salaries by nearly 20 percent.
Several months later, the two sides agreed to a cut of about 11 percent.
This year, everything was different.
The symphony board and Local 444 of the American Federation of Musicians reached a three-year deal even before the current contract expired.
Musicians will receive 2½ percent increases to base salaries for the next two seasons and a 1½ percent raise for the third season. Each season will be 35 weeks.
Susan Pardue, chair of the musicians’ negotiating team, said the annual base salary is just under $36,000 for most musicians. Principals receive 25 percent more.
Pardue said musicians believe the stability of having a three-year deal was important for the symphony, which hired a music director in the spring and a president last week. Courtney Lewis is music director designate, conducting the symphony twice this season and assuming the job full time next season.
Robert Massey was announced last week as president, coming to Jacksonville after six years as executive director of Orchestra Iowa in Cedar Rapids.
“We want them (Lewis and Massey) to be able to take steps without having to worry about contract negotiations,” said Pardue, a violist with the orchestra.
Massey is replacing David Pierson, who returned to the orchestra in March 2013 to help restore stability and rebuild fractured relationships. He held the president’s job from 1988-96.
Pierson said there is a new element of willingness to work together.
That was clear during negotiations, he said, which both sides went into feeling positive.
And both sides felt the same afterward.
“We’re heading in the right direction,” Pardue said, “and we’re happy about that.”
Lewis said he is “delighted” he’ll be able to begin his work with the symphony with a contract in place.
“I thank all who worked hard to make this happen and I look forward to making music with them again soon,” he said in a news release.
Lewis directed the orchestra at its opening weekend in September and returns May 14-15.
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