By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – The American Federation of Musicians has put the Louisville Orchestra on its "Unfair list," meaning any members who play for them will be subject to penalties or fines. The union issued a statement Monday blasting Orchestra CEO Robert Birman for saying the orchestra may try to hire non-union musicians to play concerts while in talks with their regular musicians. The dispute comes on the heels of bankruptcy proceedings for the orchestra, which has attempted to implement a reorganization plan in order to get back on its feet. The union and orchestra are currently in mediation with the Louisville Labor Management Committee. The musicians rejected the last contract offer from the management, which would have signed various musicians to different-length contracts, thereby shrinking the ensemble's size and season.