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Reading Symphony Orchestra Players Sign New Contract

by Reading Symphony Orchestra

Jan 31, 2023
Reading Symphony Orchestra

With a commitment to continue to bring exceptional classical music to the Berks County Community, the Reading Symphony Orchestra signs a new, 3 year contract with the musicians union.

As contract negotiations among other symphonies across the county continue to face difficulty, the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 135-211 of the American Federation of Musicians negotiating committee are thrilled to announce the signing of a new 3 year agreement.

“The Board is pleased to have been able to work with the musicians to reach a labor agreement that is good for all parties.” shares Mike Duff, Reading Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors President. “I want to personally thank our musicians for the professional and collegial way they approached the negotiations, which made it clear we are all dedicated to the RSO’s mission to provide and promote high quality symphonic music to the citizens of Reading and Berks County.”

The new contract provides a 5% wage increase in year one, 4% in year two, 3 1/2% in year three and continues the legacy that the Reading Symphony Orchestra has upheld within the Berks County community since 1913.

“The Reading Symphony Orchestra is on a wonderful upward trajectory.” agrees Music Director, Andrew Constantine. “A new contract with the musicians is a strong testament not only to their fabulous work, but to the terrific partnership we all enjoy being a part of.”

Connie Trach, Head of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 135-211 negotiating committee who represented the musicians of the Reading Symphony Orchestra details, “The RSO Players Committee and musicians are pleased with our new agreement. While it was challenging to negotiate through Zoom meetings, we have a cordial working relationship with David [Gross] and the Board of Directors that resulted in the successful outcome. We are grateful for their support of our musicians and their ongoing commitment to making the RSO a vital part of the Reading community. We look forward to continued music-making.”

With a full line up for the continued 2022/2023 season and preparations underway for what is sure to be a specular 2023/2024 season, the finalized agreement represents the care each representative side has for one another. During the pandemic, The Reading Symphony Orchestra was able to continue payment to their musicians despite cancelled performances in 2020. This commitment to the musicians allows the RSO to continue their mission of providing and promoting high quality symphonic music to the citizens of Reading and Berks county.

Executive Director of the Reading Symphony Orchestra, David Gross, expresses his gratitude to everyone involved. Gross states, “I want to thank everyone involved in working to achieve a new agreement. This contract is an important step towards the strategic goals of the Reading Symphony Orchestra and represents the collaborative relationship between the musicians, board and staff.”

For more information on the Reading Symphony Orchestra, including our concert calendar, visit www.readingsymphony.org.

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