Review musicians’ contract
Support the Spokane Symphony Orchestra musicians. This does not mean we are against management.
It does mean that we are urging a contract review. The public should be aware a strike is not all about money. The musicians love what they do. They need freedom that permits additional work. They need assurance and security so their instruments won’t live in a pawn shop.
There is a budget surplus. The musicians are getting cuts while management is getting raises. The symphony is about working together and sharing the wealth – and sharing the hard times.
Creative solutions are needed. Perhaps a local mediation group might volunteer time to inspire collaboration. Please return to the talks and even better; listening, really listening.
Can we adopt a musician or a section? What about bake sales, auctions, fundraising dinners, free will offerings or selling our cars to support the musicians? What about a fee to sit with a section in the orchestra?
Our symphony musicians are magnificent people – even the trombonists. They are funny and talented and they can’t play well when they are feeling so hurt and alone. Be kind to a musician today.
The symphony is about listening. Please listen.
Polly McMahon
Spokane