On December 15, Musicians of Symphony Nova Scotia gave a strong strike mandate to their negotiating team to support contract demands. The workers voted 80% in favour of a strike. Conciliation broke down December 3. The parties have agreed to one final day of talks scheduled for January 14, three days before the Union will be in a legal strike position.
This is the first time in the Symphony’s 30 year history that this situation has occurred.
Chair of the Musicians’ Negotiation team, Kirsty Money, says “Approximately half of the Musicians in SNS earn only $28,126 before taxes. This is not a living wage for a full time job in any field, especially for the training and expertise the Musicians possess.”
Symphony Nova Scotia is one of the best and most recorded orchestras in Canada. It has been recognized for its innovative programming and flexibility in changing musical styles. It has been stated that it is “ the little orchestra that does it all.”
“We strongly believe a minimum of $30,000 base salary needs to be achieved as soon as possible in order to attempt to keep up with the cost of living” states negotiation team member, Curtis Dietz.
Symphony NS is known to be one of the most financially healthy orchestras in Canada. It has a newly created $7 million endowment fund and a small operating deficit of $238,000 which represents 6.8% of the $3.5 million budget; a deficit much lower than most Arts organizations carry.
“The continued low offer from SNS would ensure the Musicians’ poverty, and risk the orchestra’s existence over the course of time. Musicians have already been forced to re-locate or re-train in order to survive.” says Money.
“These negotiations are not only about the money, they are about how SNS views its employees, the Musicians. This is not a part time orchestra and we are not part time workers.“ says Money. “ Being told that if we don’t like it we ‘should move somewhere else’ is disrespectful and ignores the issue.”
Oboist and negotiation team member, Brian James, said "We need Management to come back to the table and finally present a fair deal to the Musicians before the Holidays. After 10 months of negotiating, the prospect of going into January with this type of job insecurity is very stressful for us and our families.”
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