BSO, union end bargaining session without agreement

A long and arduous bargaining session between the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and its 77 musicians ended Monday without an agreement — increasing the likelihood that at least part of next season will be canceled or postponed. A three-day cessation of hostilities went by wayside Monday night when management and union officials issued dueling news releases. “This is a dark day in the history of Baltimore,” read the news release issued by the Baltimore Symphony Musicians, which was signed by Greg Mulligan and Brian Prechtl, the cochairmen of the Players’ Committee. ”Over the past three months, the musicians have each lost over $20,000 in salary, with more to come.” In contrast, Peter Kjome, the BSO’s president and CEO, advocated a plan that would still reduce the season to 40 weeks — but that he said would put more money into the performers’ pockets during the warm-weather months when no concerts were being performed. “We urge our musicians to accept the offer of our board and management,” Kjome wrote in the news release. ”We worked to address concerns about compensation and benefits and the size of the orchestra, while helping us to move forward together.” The performers were voting Tuesday night by electronic ballot whether to accept or reject what the union is terming a “take it or leave it” proposal by BSO management.