New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra Musicians and Management Approve New Collective Bargaining Agreement

(LINCOLN, Neb. – 30 April 2020) After a collaborative round of negotiations, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra musicians and management have signed a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Lincoln Musicians’ Association Local No. 463 and the Lincoln Orchestra Association, effective July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023. The contract governs all aspects of the orchestra musicians’ relationship to LSO leadership, and provides clear guidelines for everything from rehearsal and performance timelines to salaries and fringe benefits, audition procedures, and HR practices.

The LSO board considers the orchestra musicians to be critical partners in all of LSO’s growth and strategic planning. “We continue to walk together toward the common mission of having a strong orchestra that presents inspiring experiences that welcome all members of our community to discover and cultivate a profound, personal connection with live orchestral music,” says Joan Michelsen, LSO Board President. “I would like to extend my personal thanks to the musicians’ Negotiating Committee for their time and attention to accumulate and organize issues that are important to the musicians in the orchestra. Thank you also to the Orchestra Committee for their continued efforts to ensure that musicians, our executive team and board stay connected to attain our mutual goals.”

In addition to discussions about artistic growth and musician compensation, the negotiating team spent a great deal of time discussing ways that the orchestra can retain a high standard of artistic quality while remaining relevant to the community. It was also important to all parties that the new contract leads the way for orchestras of LSO’s size to embrace modern-day workplace practices, including annual sensitivity training, expanded parental leave, and a gender-neutral dress code for performances.

Ed Love, president of the Lincoln Musicians’ Association Local No. 463, agrees that the collaborative working relationship developed over the past number of years has been absolutely critical. “In these uncertain times, achieving shared musical goals while maintaining sustainable growth speaks well to the trust between the symphony musicians and the LSO management.” He also is grateful for the months-long work that went into preparing for the negotiations. “I would like to thank the committee of musicians, chaired by Karen Sandene, LSO bassoonist, who assisted in negotiating the next three-year contract with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. The committee was well prepared and very professional in the day-long negotiation session. I would also like to thank the LSO’s management team, led by Barbara Zach Lee, Executive Director of LSO, for their respectful and civil discussions of the important issues of the new agreement.”

To stay current with symphony events, follow Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@lincolnsymphony). Visit www.lincolnsymphony.com to learn more about LSO’s upcoming season.

Media Contacts:

Barbara Zach Lee, Executive Director
Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra
402-476-2211
barbara@lincolnsymphony.com

Edward Polochick, Music Director
Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra
info@lincolnsymphony.com

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