DSO musicians reject management's "final" offer

Rina Miller — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:28:35 +0000

Musicians of the Detroit Symphony orchestra have rejected management’s latest contract offer.

The musicians' union says while salary cuts had been agreed upon, other issues, including employee health care deductibles were unacceptable.

Spokesman Greg Bowens says management's offer called for an 800 percent increase in their deductible.

DSO president and CEO Ann Parsons says most people have been affected by changes in health care costs.

DSO and musicians meet as strike enters 16th week

Tracy Samilton — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:31:45 +0000

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra agreed to meet with striking musicians on Thursday. Musicians walked out on October 4th. The last time the two sides met to resolve the contract dispute was late November.

Meanwhile, patrons are hoping for a resolution soon. Jean Cranston has attended DSO concerts for the past 15 years. She says missing out on the concerts is like “losing a friend.”

Cranston lives in the suburbs now – but she was born in Detroit.

"It made me have some connection with the city -- which I feel I don’t have too much of any more," says Cranston. "And it also gives you hope when you go down there that things can revive in the city."

The DSO lost nearly $9 million last year. Management recently increased its wage offer to musicians. But the DSO also wants work rule changes that musicians oppose.

DSO strike

DSO musicians reject management's "final" offer

DSO and musicians meet as strike enters 16th week