Shreveport Symphony Orchestra board and musicians joint press release: parties resume discussions and keep alive the Nov 22 concert

Opus: Susan Rogers, Tom Hundemer, Craig Pratt, Judy Causey, Kristine Coreil
Originally uploaded by trudeau

A JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY
AND AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS


October 24, 2008


Representatives of the Shreveport Symphony, the American Federation of Musicians, and the Mediator from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services met for four hours on Saturday, October 18, 2008 in Shreveport to discuss issues. While the parties did not reach an agreement, the discussions were candid and productive. The parties have agreed to schedule another meeting within the next two weeks.

It was also agreed that the concert of November 22, 2008 will remain scheduled with the parties striving to reach an agreement in anticipation of the concert proceeding as scheduled.

The Symphony and the Union also mutually agreed to retain a third party advisor with experience in symphony management to review and provide recommendations, in an effort to resolve issues. The parties will refrain from legal action while these discussions are underway and there will be a press black-out, except for joint press releases, subject to twenty-four hours notice. Representatives of the Symphony and Musicians are committed to continuing their joint efforts to resolve issues and reach an agreement for the benefit of the community, supporters and the players. The Musicians and Symphony will keep the community apprised of progress and future developments through joint press releases.

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