ABO and MU explore common ground

A new set of principles to underpin the working relationships between orchestral managers and musicians has been drawn up and agreed by the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the Musicians’ Union (MU). The agreement gives details of how managers and musicians in the orchestral sector will collaborate on the implementation of performance reviews, professional development and retirement planning, with a view to improving the quality of musicians’ career paths. Under the agreement, clear and objective performance review systems will be established by orchestra managers and work performance will form part of an ongoing and regular conversation between musicians and senior management: capability procedures will be based on the ACAS Code of Conduct. The ABO and MU will consult with and advise senior management and section principals on its implementation, and the ABO will monitor the implementation of this across its members. The two organisations will also be exploring the development of an ‘objective justification’ for a retirement age for orchestral musicians. Michael Eakin, Chair of the ABO, described the agreement as “a real opportunity now to establish new and improved ways of working for both our orchestras and the musicians who work within them”, and the General Secretary of the MU, John Smith, added: “…an agreed performance appraisal procedure, which works to the benefit of both the players and the management, is essential to the well-being of all involved. The term performance appraisal is full of unpleasant connotations for performers, so we must allay any fears and ensure that the issue is addressed holistically taking into account every aspect of orchestral players professional lives.” These new ways of working will now be tested among the UK’s orchestras, and the experiences reported back to next year’s ABO Conference.