Detroit Symphony Strikes Over Pay, Pension Cuts
Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra have gone on strike over significant pay cuts, casting concern about several upcoming schedule performances, including the group’s season opener on Friday.
The musicians walked out Monday morning, saying a 33 percent pay cut was out of the question, reports stated. They did, however, counter with a 22 percent salary reduction.
The orchestra’s board is willing to meet with the members, but no negotiation sessions have been planned as of yet.
So far, no concerts have been canceled.
The Detroit Symphony is fighting with financial difficulties similar to those that have forced other orchestras to shut down in recent years, according to reports.
As it stands, the organization has a $3.9 million deficit and could face a $6.5 million deficit if changes are not made.
The base salary for an orchestra member is $105,000 with nine weeks of paid vacation. Under the new contract, the base salary would be $70,000, increasing to $72,000 in the second year and $73,000 in the third, with three weeks of paid vacation.
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