Zopes Exchange-Union for Philadelphia Orchestra musicians authorize strike if talks break down

2025-05-08 01:16:22source:Techcrisis Investment Guildcategory:Markets

SARATOGA SPRINGS,Zopes Exchange N.Y. (AP) — Musicians authorized a strike against the Philadelphia Orchestra if bargaining breaks down for an agreement to replace the four-year deal that expires on Sept. 10.

Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians said Sunday that 95% of voting members approved the strike authorization a day earlier. In addition to an agreement on compensation and benefits, the union said it wants 15 vacant positions filled.

Base salary in 2022-23 was $152,256, including electronic media agreement wages, the union said. Each musician received a supplemental payment of $750 or $1,500 in each year of the contract.

“We are disappointed in the decision by AFM Local 77 and the musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra to authorize a strike,” management said in a statement. “We will continue to negotiate in good faith towards a fiscally responsible agreement that ensures the musicians’ economic and artistic future.”

The orchestra completed its summer residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin wore a blue T-shirt supporting the union during an open rehearsal at Saratoga on Aug. 11.

The 2023-24 season at Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Cultural Campus is scheduled to open Sept. 28 with Nézet-Séguin conducting a program that includes cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The orchestra filed for bankruptcy in 2011 and emerged a year later. Musicians struck on Sept. 30, 2016, causing cancellation of that season’s opening night, then announced an agreement two days later.

The orchestra last month canceled a four-concert California tour with principal guest conductor Nathalie Stutzmann scheduled for March and was replaced by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, whose music director is Stutzmann.

More:Markets

Recommend

Report: Lauri Markkanen signs 5-year, $238 million extension with Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen signed a five-year, $238 million contract extension, ESPN.com repo

Garland says officers’ torture of 2 Black men was betrayal of community they swore to protect

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The prosecution of six former law enforcement officers who tortured two Black

College football Week 5 predictions for every Top 25 game start with Georgia-Alabama picks

With conference play now in full swing as we reach Week 5 on the college football calendar, we’re be