Silent night for Pasadena Pops?
Members of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops have voted to authorize a strike that, if launched, would imperil popular holiday concerts.
The American Federation of Musicians Local 47 announced the vote Friday. Musicians have been without a contract for more than two years, the union said.
The orchestra consists of about 70 part-time members who make less than $4,000 a year on average, the union said. Management’s last offer included an increase that amounted to less than 15% over five contract years. The union did not accept the offer as fair and in line with the compensation of other regional orchestras.
Ten years ago, when the orchestra faced a financial crisis, musicians agreed to cost-saving measures. However, the union said the Pasadena Symphony Assn. is financially healthy now.
PSA chief executive Lora Unger said in a statement: “We are working with the union representing the musicians to develop a fair agreement that recognizes the musicians’ stature and their artistic contributions, but one that does not compromise the financial sustainability of the institution. We strive to ensure that the PSA is competitive on compensation as compared to its peer orchestras by region and budget size and are committed to prudent financial growth.”
On Tuesday, Unger said the symphony had requested that the two sides work with a mediator.