Philly Musicians Request Mediation

Peter Nero from the Philly Pops Author: Stephen Alexander – The local American Federation of Musicians has requested federal mediation in the contract dispute between music director, Peter Nero, and Encore Series Inc.

Peter Nero is the 78-year-old heart of the Philly Pops. According to lawyer Michael N. Katz, who represents the union, the end of the Philly Pops and Encore Series Inc and the collective bargaining agreement is imminent “in the absence of Mr. Nero and a carefully planned and mapped-out transition to a successor music director upon his retirement.”

Currently, Encore Series Inc. is under bankruptcy protection. In bankruptcy court, the company filed a motion to revoke Nero’s contract and end his participation. The company wanted to cut Nero’s contract by 40% and that offer was rejected.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was contacted by the union. Mediation is expected to start Monday between Encore Series Inc and Nero.

According to Nero’s attorney, Paul R. Rosen, the dispute is not about Nero’s salary but about the charity board’s new payroll that removes tens of thousands of dollars per year in salary benefits.

If you liked this post, say thanks by sharing it.
Share this.
Pin It
Email forward to a friend
Buffer

2 comments

  1. maestro88

    Thank you for reporting this sad event. However, certain items need clarification.

    1) The headline is misleading. Philly Pops is a registered service mark owned by Finger Prince, Inc. f/s/o/ Peter Nero. It is not an organization. The Philly Pops per se is the orchestra conducted by Mr Nero.
    2) As was subsequently stated, the dispute is between Encore Series, Inc and Mr. Nero, NOT between the Philly Pops and Mr. Nero.
    3) Mr. Nero is the founding music director of the organization (in 1979). The history is glorious and the entity has been an important contributor to the culture and economy of Philadelphia.
    4) The last paragraph leaves much to be said and granted, it is a complicated matter. But the issue of the Board’s “new payroll” is more like $159,000 going into the pockets of 2 Directors.

    For a more complete explanation of the above please visit Philly.com and search Peter Dobrin. You should find thorough coverage.

    Thank you.

Post a comment