According to a report by The Buffalo News, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra musicians have approved a strike authorization for the first time in the symphony’s 87-year history. The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra is the resident summer orchestra of the Chautauqua Institution in western New York State. The strike could take place between Dec. 31, when the current labour contract expires, and the start of the 2017 season in June. The reason for the musicians’ upheaval is money. The 74 performers want raises that would add up to $18,278 per season for the orchestra over the life of a four-year contract. The annual musicians’ budget is $1.5 million.
The management has called the demand “fiscally irresponsible,” and made a final offer, as they say, with a smaller increase.
The musicians, who are not full-time, are paid $9,230 for the nine-week season.
