Talks between Phil, musicians at standstill
COREY MCMAKEN | The Journal Gazette
After months of suspended concerts, musician furloughs and several labor charges, contract talks between Fort Wayne Philharmonic and its players continue to idle.
Musicians say they are being asked to abandon a collective bargaining agreement that has been decades in the making in favor of changes that will gut the orchestra. The Philharmonic says it needs to take steps to reduce its budget moving forward, including a reduction in the number of full-time player positions.
“Ensuring a financially sustainable future requires adjusting the business structure so the Philharmonic can live within its means,” the organization says in an email provided to The Journal Gazette by director of marketing and public relations Emily Shannon after a request for a phone interview with management was declined.