Entertainment
Boston Symphony Orchestra union authorizes first strike in 145-year history
Musicians back potential labor action following contract expiration and leadership tensions over the departure of music director Andris Nelsons.
The short version
- The Boston Musicians' Association voted to authorize a strike, marking the first such move in the orchestra's 145-year history.
- The union's three-year contract expired Sunday night amid unresolved bargaining over pay, benefits, and mediation.
- Tensions between musicians and leadership have been elevated since management moved in March to replace music director Andris Nelsons.
- The orchestra's upcoming performance season is scheduled to begin September 17 as both sides navigate contract talks.
Key facts
- The Boston Musicians' Association voted to authorize a strike for the first time in the Boston Symphony Orchestra's 145-year history.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The union's three-year collective bargaining agreement expired at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Relations worsened after BSO management decided in March to terminate music director Andris Nelsons next summer following a 13-season tenure.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The union stated that leadership rejected a proposal to bring in a mediator and failed to offer an acceptable contract.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- BSO CEO Chad Smith acknowledged the musicians' right to authorize a strike and stated that management remains committed to ongoing talks providing competitive compensation and benefits.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The orchestra's season is scheduled to open on September 17.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It is not yet known whether a work stoppage will take place or disrupt the scheduled opening of the season on September 17.[ABC News · Associated Press]