CHICAGO (AP) – Striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians have rejected a contract proposal management described as its “last, best and final” offer.
The members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association voted on and rejected management’s offer on Monday. Union officials said the offer would leave musicians’ salaries “further behind the orchestras of Los Angeles and San Francisco.”
Association lead negotiator Steve Lester says the union’s proposal addressed management’s concern about pension funding “while guaranteeing the Musicians and the Orchestra the security deserved.”
Orchestra management didn’t immediately comment on the union’s decision.
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.
