I'm troubled by the Minnesota Orchestra management's handling of the stalemate with musicians ("Orchestra dispute intensifies," Nov. 9). Musicians rejected what management called its final offer.
The musicians have been criticized by the management for not presenting a counterproposal. Yet the management's tactics aren't those of actual negotiation. Its "final offer" was an ultimatum.
The musicians responded by proposing binding arbitration and were willing to continue playing while negotiating, but management rejected each of these constructive proposals, and the lockout followed.
If the musicians are expected to return to the negotiating table, management must acknowledge that its ultimatum wasn't a "final offer" and that it's now ready to participate in meaningful negotiations.
BRUCE MCLELLAN, Edina
