Yesterday, All Things Considered aired a segment on the fiscal problems of the top-notch Philadelphia Orchestra. I’m sure there are a number of reasons for the chronic budget shortfalls, but it is notable that there was absolutely no mention of the grasp that the musicians’ labor union has on the orchestra. Starting salaries are close to 6 figures, and my dad sends me this link which says:
The revenue stream on ticket sales was $16 million in FY 2008. … And it looks like they spent $27 million in total payroll expenses. Compare that to the ticket revenue.
Update: For more on destructive labor unions, read this fascinating history by Morgan Reynolds.
11:30 am on April 23, 2010
