DSO: Granholm, Levin Cannot Break Strike

<p><em><a href="mailto:novshinsky@wdetfm.org">By Noah Ovshinsky, WDET</a></em></p> <p>Senator Carl Levin heads one of the most powerful committees in the U.S. Senate. Governor Jennifer Granholm has led the state for the last eight years. Even with their considerable influence, the politicians' proposal to end the DSO strike has failed to break the logjam. </p> <p>In letter a released yesterday, Granholm and Levin recommended the two sides agree to compensation that essentially splits the difference between their latest proposals. </p> <p>But in a statement, DSO Board Chairman Stanley Frankel said the compensation package recommended by Levin and Granholm was beyond what consultants and the Board believe is feasible. Without deeper cuts, he said, the orchestra would continue to run up deficits. </p> <p>The Levin-Granholm proposal received a slightly warmer response from the striking musicians. In a statement, they said they would return to the bargaining table under the proposed framework, though they acknowledged that some contentious issues had yet to be resolved. </p> <p>The strike is now in its 11th week. </p>