Sarasota Orchestra Contract Includes 403(b) Plan Offering

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that under the new contract, which is retroactive to September 1, the orchestra will contribute 2% of musicians’ pay to the musicians’ pension fund and offer the option of a 403(b) retirement plan. The 41 full-time musicians will take a 2.5% pay cut this year.

Part-time musicians, called “per service” players, will receive a 3% raise and additional benefits, including paid sick days.

The newspaper said the vote brought to a close three months of discord as the musicians worked under management’s imposed final offer, which included an 8% pay cut and changes to the musicians’ pension contribution.