Due to a work stoppage by the musicians of the San Francisco Symphony (SFS), the performance of Gustav Mahler’s ninth symphony tomorrow (March 14) at 2 p.m. has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
The Musicians Union of San Francisco, Local 6 of the American Federation of Musicians, which represents SFS musicians, has rejected proposals from the Administration for a new three-year contract. That proposal offered a minimum base salary of $141,700 in the first year, with multi-year increases to $144,560 in the third year. The offer also maintained all current benefit payment levels including ten weeks paid vacation, a maximum pension of $74,000 annually upon retirement, paid sick leave, and a full-coverage health plan with no monthly contribution or individual members.
Over the course of the last four-year contract, operating expenses have outpaced income. During that period, concert and related revenues increased 2.4% when compounded annually. However, production expenses, when similarly compounded annually, increased 8.1%.
Patrons with tickets for tomorrow’s concert may exchange them for an upcoming concert, donate their tickets, or receive a refund. The Box Office may be reached by phone at 415-864-6000. The Press Room page of the SFS Web site will be maintained with information about further cancellations and when performances will resume. Further details on the negotiations may be obtained either through the Press Room page or by sending electronic mail to Oliver Theil, SFS Director of Communications.
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