Detroit Symphony Set to Strike
Detroit Symphony players rejected management's final offers over the weekend, but because of labor regulations requiring the filing of paperwork, can't strike until September 24. But it looks like they will.
The musicians are arguing that the dramatic pay cuts--over 20% in base pay--will render the orchestra second class. "That top sliver of talent, the ones who can truly thrill the audience, will not come here," says cellist Haden McKay.
It's a pretty crazy pay cut, and I wouldn't want to take it, but the argument that great musicians won't come doesn't really hold water. There's more than a "sliver" of great musicians out there right now. The problem for musicians is there a glut--too much supply, and not enough demand.
The musicians are arguing that the dramatic pay cuts--over 20% in base pay--will render the orchestra second class. "That top sliver of talent, the ones who can truly thrill the audience, will not come here," says cellist Haden McKay.
It's a pretty crazy pay cut, and I wouldn't want to take it, but the argument that great musicians won't come doesn't really hold water. There's more than a "sliver" of great musicians out there right now. The problem for musicians is there a glut--too much supply, and not enough demand.