Bargaining Results in No Agreement Between Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Local 58, Fort Wayne Musicians Association

Fort Wayne, IN (December 27, 2022) — The Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Local 58, Fort Wayne Musicians Association had a bargaining session today that ended without an agreement. 

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic had hoped to discuss a proposal sent to the musician’s union on December 17, after the union declined to meet on December 14. That proposal reflected a salary increase of 33.4% over three years which returned the orchestra to above pre-pandemic wages in the first year, versus the previous 12% offer. The musicians came to the table today without accepting any terms or language within the offer from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and increased their economic demands.

Before today’s bargaining session, the Board of Directors actively pursued a win-win outcome to return music to the Philharmonic. It agreed to make the extraordinary exception to draw out endowment funds to increase the generous wage offer to musicians.

“We had looked forward to music returning to the Philharmonic and beginning the healing and recovery process to create a stronger, sustainable, and more unified Fort Wayne Philharmonic within our community. Unfortunately, the union is rejecting the offer despite the significant wage increases,” said Philharmonic Board chair Rick James.

Despite financial losses created by closures during the pandemic and most recently created by the musicians’ strike before the holiday concert season, the Board of Directors worked creatively to return the musicians to above pre-pandemic wages and remains committed to the long-term financial health of the organization.

At this time, there is not another scheduled date for both parties to return to the negotiating table. However, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s President and CEO, Brittany Hall said, “The administration is open to returning to negotiations when the union is open to good faith bargaining.”