Cleveland Orchestra musicians go on strike

State of play: The musicians' collective bargaining agreement expired Aug. 30 and was extended through Sept. 23 to facilitate additional negotiations, but the sides remain far apart on compensation.

What they're saying: "Over the last six years we have lost 10 percent of our purchasing power to inflation, and 20 percent relative to our peer orchestras," negotiating committee chair and violinist Elayna Duitman said at a Friday morning press conference.

• "This is not how you invest in a top-tier artistic institution."

The other side: Orchestra CEO André Gremillet called the strike "premature" and "unnecessary" in a statement, saying management had more to offer but that the union's proposed 25% salary increase over three years is unsustainable.

• The orchestra says the sides have made progress on parental leave, workload, touring and hiring practices.

By the numbers: The current minimum guaranteed salary is $165,516, according to the orchestra.

What's next: Friday's University of Michigan concert and Saturday's Severance performance have both been canceled, but no other concerts have been called off yet.

• Spokespeople for both the Orchestra and AFM Local 4, the musicians' union, tell Axios that negotiations are ongoing Friday, and both sides are amenable to further bargaining Saturday if necessary.

The intrigue: Time is of the essence. Instruments are scheduled to travel to Europe Monday for the international tour, with the musicians scheduled to follow Tuesday if the contract is hammered out by then.