With the IRS currently allowing taxpayers to calculate deductions at 50.5 cents per business mile, he admits the issue may prompt some very tough negotiating.
Better pay for so-called subs and extras is also a major issue. Jelen says that, at present, musicians who either substitute for regular WCO players or are employed for programs that require a different orchestra complement are paid as little as 50% of what contract members of the orchestra receive.
"Several of our extra musicians, such as our harp and our tuba player, have been with the orchestra for up to 20 years," he says. "We want them included in our contract, if not the bargaining sessions."
Although they're far apart on the key issues, Jelen is hopeful that the musicians and management can agree on a new contract before the current one expires at the end of August. On the other hand, he says that by bringing in a negotiator from Foley & Lardner, one of the state's most powerful law firms, WCO management has signaled that it means to "play hardball."
Could the deadlocked negotiations lead to a strike? Yes, says Jelen, but he hopes it doesn't come to that.
WCO management doesn't want a strike either. "We're certainly very hopeful," says deputy executive director Martha Scales, who adds that it's still very early in the bargaining process. "We had very strong contracts five years ago, and we're certainly very hopeful that we'll be able to negotiate a strong contract that will be beneficial to both management and to the players."