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Musicians' Union Files Charge Against Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

The union representing Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra musicians has filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge. Kalamazoo Federation of Musicians Local 228 says in its complaint to the National Labor Relations Board that the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra negotiated in bad faith by changing rehearsal times after the two sides had reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. 

The musicians have been working without a contract since 2014. KSO Cellist and Union Local Vice President Elizabeth Start says the change will mean more afternoon rehearsals, and will make it harder for musicians who work other jobs to play in the KSO.

Kalamazoo Symphony President Peter Gistelink says the change is only for the Symphonic Series. He says the change is in line with national standards for orchestras. He says the symphony has the discretion to set practice times. But Start says the KSO should have notified musicians of the schedule change before the contract was negotiated. She says a ratification vote on the tentative agreement has not been scheduled.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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