Chicago Symphony May Cancel More Concerts As Strike Persists

Conductor Riccardo Muti joins striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians Tuesday, March 12, 2019 outside Symphony Center. (Eddie Arruza / WTTW News)Conductor Riccardo Muti joins striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians Tuesday, March 12, 2019 outside Symphony Center. (Eddie Arruza / WTTW News)

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Symphony Orchestra may cancel more concerts after striking musicians rejected what it calls its last, best and final offer on a new contract.

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association President Jeff Alexander called it “an exceptional, comprehensive compensation package” in a statement early Tuesday.

Members of the Chicago Federation of Musicians voted down the offer Monday. Steve Lester, chairman of their negotiating committee, says the union’s proposal addressed management’s concern about pension funding “while guaranteeing the Musicians and the Orchestra the security deserved.”

About 100 of the orchestra’s musicians have been on strike since March 11. The union is at odds with the orchestra over pension and wage issues.

The striking musicians have received support from congressmen, musical theater performers and their own maestro, renowned Italian conductor Riccardo Muti.


Related stories:

Chicago Symphony, Striking Musicians to Restart Negotiations

Striking CSO Musicians Get Superstar Support

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Goes on Strike as Contract Talks Collapse

Lyric Opera Orchestra Ratifies New Contract

Lyric Opera Chicago Orchestra Goes on Strike


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