[Trombone-l] Don't like the Collective Contract? Fire them All!!

[kroberts@uc.cl]

Hello Fellow Trombonists,
Once again I write to tell of the irrational behavior of the administration in
the Teatro Municipal of Santiago, Chile.
Yesterday, the last remaining members of the musicians union in the Orquesta
Filarmónica were all fired!  This year the ENTIRE UNION of Musicians, having a
COLLECTIVE CONTRACT, 49 of the best musicians in the orchestra, have ALL BEEN
FIRED!

This administration, led by Andrés Rodriguez, General Director,  had decided
that they didn't like the contract, nor the orchestral rule book, so what do
they do?  Sit and negotiate a temporary arrangement until the end of the
contract?  Offer something in exchange (such as participation)?  Make known
the reasons why changes are needed presenting viable new project, with
transparent behavior?

NO!!! THEY FIRE EVERYBODY.

This behavior shows that you can try and lift a country out of the 3rd world,
with economic measures etc, but you cannot easily elevate (or actualize) the
mindsets of the people who "run" (not necessarily the politicians) the
country.  What you are left with is a 3rd world country with an economic reform!

I had on previous occasions advised the AF of M about things going on, and
also to ask for international support.  Unfortunately our orchestra received
no official support, neither through letters of support to the Chilean
government nor to the orchestra for us to use.  Only concerned individuals
like yourselves have shown us any support ....publicly.  I hope now, that our
calls for help will be heard, and that the international community must put
some pressure on Chile to not permit this.  Imagine, the best and biggest
orchestra in the country (in 2003-95 players) all out on the
street...literally, every day asking for coins!!!

Please, if you feel that this behavior is reproachable, write to the Chilean
Embassy in Washington, embassy at embassyofchile.org, and forward the letter to
me, or to our orchestra email, filarmonicadechile at hotmail.com .

Beware!  If you hear about positions open in the Teatro Municipal (Municipal
Theater) in Santiago, Chile....DO NOT BE FOOLED into thinking that humane (as
we know them) working conditions exist and it would be worth your while!

Sincerely, Thank You for Your Support!
Kevin Roberts

Professor of Trombone
Universidad Católica de Chile

Principal Trombone
Orquesta Filarmónica de Chile




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