PSO talks to resume with federal mediators
The musicians and management of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra are getting back to the negotiating table.
On Friday, representatives for the musicians, who have been on strike since Sept. 30, and management issued the same statement:
“The parties have agreed to meet again with federal mediators late next week. In addition, the parties have agreed to bring in a neutral financial expert to conduct an independent review of the PSO’s finances.”
That financial expert will be selected and paid for by both parties, symphony vice president of public affairs Louise Sciannameo said.
The two sides have not met for contract discussions since the musicians went on strike, although they have communicated through their attorneys and through the two federal mediators.
Bridge project to close parkway for 2 weekends
The Parkway East will be closed for two weekends next month as part of the Greenfield Bridge construction.
The highway will be closed in both directions the weekends of Nov. 4 and Nov. 19. On the first weekend, crews for Mosites Heavy Construction Co. plan to install two arches and decking above the highway, and on the second they will place the remaining steel elements.
After the arches and other items are in place, workers will be able to tighten steel connections and perform other activities without disrupting traffic.
To prepare for erecting the arches, 37 tractor-trailers delivered parts last week for a crane with a 200foot boom that was assembled at the site. Trucks also delivered steel pieces for the arches, which workers will assemble over the next two weeks.
The highway was closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day last year so the bridge could be imploded.
Mosites has a $17.5 million contract to replace the bridge.
9-year-old girl shot in ankle in Hill District
A 9-year-old girl was shot in the ankle Friday afternoon in the Hill District, Pittsburgh police said.
Police and paramedics were called to the 2400 block of Bedford Avenue after the shooting was reported about 3:30 p.m.
Police said the girl was outside when a man began firing a gun, and she was shot as she ran from the area.
The girl was taken to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in stable condition. Police said they do not believe she was the target of the shooting.