Striking SF Symphony Musicians, Management Reach Tentative Deal
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The San Francisco Symphony has reached a tentative contract agreement with striking musicians and performances are expected to resume this week, officials said Sunday.
The tentative 26-month contract is subject to ratification by the full orchestra and by the symphony's board of governors over the next several days, and no details will be released until that has occurred, according to symphony officials.
Tentative Deal Reached Between Striking Musicians and Managers of SF Symphony
Symphony musicians were expected to return to the stage on April 2 for the first of a weeklong series of free concerts for San Francisco elementary school children. All other concerts scheduled for this week will also take place.
The musicians went on strike on March 13, prompting the subsequent cancellation of multiple concerts including a three-city East Coast tour.
The musicians were unhappy with proposals by management that they said did not allow them to stay competitive with other top orchestras in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Symphony officials said substantial pay hikes were not likely since operating expenses have outpaced income for the past four years, but musicians noted that top executives have received generous raises and bonuses.
San Francisco Symphony musicians make an average of about $165,000, the third-highest total behind Chicago and Los Angeles. Musicians say the costs of living in the Bay Area and expensive instruments take up a large chunk of their paychecks.
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