Utah Symphony musicians agree to $1.3 million reduction in pay, benefits to help with budget

Utah Symphony musicians agree to $1.3M in cuts

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Symphony musicians say they’ll give up a pay increase, a few weeks of salary and some benefits to help their employer through difficult economic times.

The union musicians will donate a total of $1.3 million in salary and benefits. Local 104 of the American Federation of Musicians also agreed to leave four positions vacant in the orchestra.

Utah Symphony Utah Opera officials are calling the agreement unprecedented and say the musicians will become this year’s largest donor to the state’s largest arts organization.

The musicians are giving up a 5 percent salary increase that was due to them this fall and four weeks’ salary. They are also continuing a cut of 50 percent in matching pension contributions.

In return for the musicians’ donation, the Utah Symphony Utah Opera has agreed to raise an additional $1 million.

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, www.sltrib.com