The BSO’s Principal Flutist Says She is Paid Far Less Than The Man Who is The Principal Oboist – The Boston Globe

Gordon Law Group — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 02:50:08 GMT

Gordon Law Group featured in The Boston Globe in support of BSO Flutist and first suit under Massachusetts Equal Pay Act (View Article)

The BSO’s Principal Flutist Says She Is Paid Far Less Than the Man Who Is the Principal Oboist: A Legal Battle for Equal Pay

In a bold and significant move, the BSO’s principal flutist says she is paid far less than the male musician who holds the position of principal oboist, despite both performing comparable roles within the orchestra. This public statement, made in an exclusive interview with The Boston Globe, has brought to light the issue of wage disparity in the world of classical music, prompting discussions about gender pay equality in the arts.

The Case: Challenging Pay Disparity in the Boston Symphony Orchestra

The principal flutist’s claim of unequal pay against the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has gained considerable attention, as she asserts that despite having the same seniority, performing the same level of work, and contributing equally to the orchestra’s success, she is paid significantly less than her male counterpart. Her case is rooted in the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act, which mandates that employees performing comparable work be compensated equally, regardless of gender.

In the interview, the principal flutist shared that the BSO’s principal oboist, a male musician in the same position, receives a far higher salary, despite the fact that their responsibilities and qualifications are nearly identical. The BSO’s principal flutist says this disparity reflects a systemic issue of pay inequality that persists in even the most prestigious orchestras. This legal dispute seeks to address the long-standing issue of gender-based wage disparities in classical music, an industry where such inequalities have often been overlooked.

What This Legal Dispute Means for the Arts and Employment Equality

The BSO’s principal flutist says she is facing unfair pay highlights a larger issue that has affected countless women in the arts and entertainment industries: gender-based wage inequality. This legal challenge not only has the potential to affect the Boston Symphony Orchestra but could also influence the entire classical music community, along with other industries where gender pay gaps persist.

Boston Globe Interviews Philip Gordon About Impact of New Department of Labor Rules

Gordon Law Group — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 02:34:43 GMT

Recently, Boston Globe spoke with employment attorney Philip Gordon about the impact of new overtime rules issued by the US Department of Labor. The article titled Low Income Managers May Started Getting Paid for Overtime—breaks down how wage protections may soon reach workers previously excluded under federal exemption rules.

Gordon explains that these rulings reflect a shift toward protecting modest-salary supervisors who historically met both salary and duties tests that allowed employers to avoid paying overtime wages even when employees worked more than 40 hours per week.

What Are the Department of Labor Overtime Rule Changes?

The new interpretation from the Department of Labor may revise how overtime exemptions apply, particularly for managers earning near the minimum salary threshold tied to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

These protections fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs wage rules, hour limits, and worker classification. Historically, many salaried managers earning at least $455 per week, and performing “managerial duties,” were exempt from overtime pay. The Department of Labor is now reassessing whether low-income supervisors truly fit the intended exemption.