Posted by Rick Denney on October 22, 2000 at 23:00:42:
In Reply to: Re: Florida Philharmonic Orchestra Strike posted by economics? on October 21, 2000 at 13:54:49:
In fact, the San Antonio Symphony did just that in 1988 (or thereabouts). The official Symphony went nearly bankrupt and management cancelled the season. One of the major benefactors put a replacement together, consisting of many but not all of the regular musicians (most those who stayed in town and were still available), called Orchestra San Antonio. They played for a portion of the season until the regular symphony had a shake-up and attained better minds.
The question I have is a practical one (no Latin here). Does the management have a point that they don't have the money, now or later, to cover the desires of the musicians? Obviously, the musicians believe managers should have the money, but do they? Perhaps these managers, who are stewards (as they might see themselves in good faith) of other people's money, don't see how they'll cover a shortfall. The union can ask for a raise or more favorable work rules (that might result in higher future costs), but if the money is not there then the management may see they have no choice but to dig in. That neither diminishes the legitimacy of the musicians' need nor the position of management.
The problem, of course, is that instead of discussing these matters like grown-ups, the management often think the musicians are too stupid to understand matters of high finance, and some union negotiators may act like they don't care about the problems being faced by the managers. And whether it is true or not (on either side) the accusation of same (by both sides) is a foregone conclusion.
The articles provide no compelling reason to believe one way or the other, unfortunately. What is the real truth?
Fort Lauderdale is not short of wealthy people, many of whom grew up in a tradition of supporting such cultural activities (think retirees from New York). Have solicitors of donations been ineffective?
Rick "All orchestras are subsidized" Denney