Phone: (206) 524-7050 / Fax: (206) 524-7015 / E-Mail: JBaunton@AOL.com

July 21, 1999

GUILD 46 – AFM 17

Today in Phoenix an election for representation of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra culminated in a count of mail-in ballots at the National Labor Relations Board offices. The International Guild of Symphony, Opera and Ballet Musicians (Guild) won by almost 3 to 1 over the incumbent union, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The actual vote tallied 46 for the Guild to 17 for the AFM. Final certification is expected within a week.

Guild President Randy Baunton says, "It’s been a long time coming, but now that we will represent orchestral musicians outside of the greater Seattle area more symphony orchestras are sure to follow. We look forward to a long-lasting and fruitful relationship with our new Tucson Chapter and thank those musicians who made this historic vote possible."

Negotiations for a successor contract will begin next month and all parties have agreed to enter into Interest-Based Bargaining with the guidance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

For further information please contact:

Randy Baunton, President, IGSOBM

(206) 524-7050

Kristine Crandall, Co-chairperson, Tucson Guild Chapter, Tucson Musicians Organization

(520) 326-1398

Jacki Sellers, Co-chairperson, Tucson Guild Chapter, Tucson Musicians Organization

(520) 394-2811

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