Minnesota Orchestra makes new contract offer

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Orchestra has made a new contract offer to its locked-out musicians, one that includes bonus money.

Management says the offer is its fourth in the ongoing labor dispute. The proposal would reduce base salaries gradually over three years. But by using money raised through foundations and a community group, the board is offering a signing bonus of $20,000 per musician.

The board wants a union vote before noon Monday.

Music director Osmo Vanska has said he needs musicians rehearsing next week for November concerts at Carnegie Hall. If those concerts are canceled, Vanska has threatened to resign.

Union spokesman Blois Olson tells the Star Tribune (http://bit.ly/1asGccw ) the musicians want management to work through the mediator, former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.

Musicians were locked out Oct. 1, 2012.

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Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com