By Bennett Haeberle and WDRB News Staff bhaeberle@fox41.com
LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- Musicians with the Louisville Orchestra fired back in protest at orchestra management this afternoon.
Dozens of musicians gathered outside the offices near Third and Broadway, upset over letters that were sent to each musician asking them to come back and play for less.
The letters asked if the musicians would be willing to show up at rehearsals and performances from September to April of 2012. If they failed to show up, they would be fired.
The musicians' union representatives say management overstepped its bounds. Labor talks between management and the musicians broke down in May.
Orchestra musician Kim Tichenor said, "The musicians came today and each wrote individual letters to Rob Birman letting him, no, please, not to contact them or circumvent the collective bargaining process."
The Louisville Orchestra released a statement saying that both sides have agreed to the mediation to help resolve the differences.
Musicians say they are hopeful they can have a fall season in September.
