Fort Worth Symphony labor talks continue

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra management and the union that represents its musicians went back to the table to negotiate a new contract Monday.

No agreement was reached, a spokeswoman for the FWSO Association said. Talks are scheduled to resume Tuesday.

Before the musicians’ contract expired on July 31, the local chapter of the American Federation of Musicians requested a $3.5 million increase over three years.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Association rejected the opening offer, and, citing fiscal difficulties, countered with a proposal that would reduce musicians’ 46 paid weeks to 43. It amounts to a 6.5 percent decrease that would come from a reduction of paid time off, FWSO President and CEO Amy Adkins told the Star-Telegram last week.

The musicians revised their initial offer, spreading their proposed $3.5 million increase over four years with some concessions during the first year.

But the orchestra, with a $12 million-plus budget, cannot afford the musicians’ request, Adkins said. She presented a new counteroffer Monday.

Adkins declined an interview request Monday, and attempts to reach Kenneth Krause, president of the Local 72-147 of the American Federation of Musicians, were unsuccessful.

This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 10:03 AM with the headline "Fort Worth Symphony labor talks continue."