Locked out ISO musicians perform during lunch hours in front of Hilbert Circle Theatre. (wibc.com photo by Mike Corbin)

The head talker of the musicians union negotiating with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra management is scratching his head today.

Listen:

Richard Graef says he doesn't understand why ISO has publicly announced that it has "workable solution" on a new contract offer when the union already rejected it. ISO announced a five-year deal that pays musicians $53,000 in the first year of the contract, with increases to $70,000 by year five. The offer also includes a 38- to 42-week schedule; and an orchestra size of 74. The orchestra currently has 72 musicians.

ISO says it's giving the union until this Saturday, October 6th to accept the deal. However, Graef says the union rejected the offer prior to ISO's announcement and he doesn't understand what's going on. Graef says the five-year offer includes a contract termination clause at the end of the third year which the union will not accept. He says they might be able to accept the offer otherwise, but won't go along with the termination clause.

Graef says both sides are set to return to the negotiating table Friday morning. ISO has been struggling with a multi-million dollar budget gap which Graef says the union is trying to help address. ISO management has declined offers to comment. 

MORE FROM WIBC NEWS:
» ISO Offers New Deal to Musicians (10-2-12)
» Symphony Talks Progressing (9-13-12)
» ISO Musicians Locked Out; Holding Musical Pickets (9-10-12)
» ISO Musicians Offering To "Talk And Play" (9-7-12)
» ISO Musicians Union Awaiting Management Response (9-3-12)
» Musicians Union In Tough Talks With ISO (8-29-12)